Corvus frugilegus

Rook

Family: Corvidae

Origin: Europe

A rook balancing on a post.
Rooks were introduced to New Zealand in the 1860s to control insect pests.

Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) status

  • Whole region — Exclusion
  • Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area Notice pest

View more about the RPMP statuses

General description

Large black bird 20-30 cm long with violet-blue glossy sheen on feathers.

What you need to know

To help protect our environment:

  • You must not breed, distribute, release or sell any rook within the Auckland region.

Habitats

Open habitats, pasture, plantations, crops, orchards.

Impact on environment

Eats invertebrates and plant material. Damages vegetable and cereal crops, uproots pasture.

Control

Management

If you see a rook anywhere in the Auckland region, please report it to Auckland Council at pestfree@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Rook standing on pebble beach on water’s edge.
Black legs and feet with sharp claws.
Two rooks feeding on a grass verge.
Glossy black feathers with a violet- blue tint.