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Have You Seen This Bird?

Thursday 18 October 2012, 5:57PM

By Marlborough District Council

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MARLBOROUGH

Rooks are considered to be one of the most destructive birds introduced to this country and they are classed as a Total Control Pest in Marlborough under the Regional Pest Management Strategy.

Introduced by early settlers to control insects, they have multiplied and are now subject to intensive pest control in other parts of New Zealand. Flocks of the birds are capable of stripping crops and ripping up paddocks for grass grub and worms. The last control of rooks in Marlborough was undertaken in 2005.

Their glossy black feathers have a slight purple tint and the birds have a distinct harsh call that sounds like “kaah”. During the spring breeding season they’re particularly noisy.

The Council is calling for any public sightings of these birds. If you think you have seen a Rook please contact the Senior Biosecurity Officer (Animals) at Council, Ph: 03 520 7400.

See our biosecurity section for more information about rooks.