Rūrū/koukou

Rūrū are nocturnal predators that have also adapted to live in farmland and urban areas.

They are often associated with spirits, and many families have a rūrū as a kaitiaki or guardian conveying messages from atua sources with the power to protect, warn and advise.

Ngāti Wai at Whangaruru in Te Tai Tokerau (Northland) have a kaitiaki known as Hinerūrū, whose calls and flight behaviour can be interpreted as either good or bad news.

Watchmen standing guard over a pā at night were likened to rūrū, hooting a warning. People who have lost love might also compare themselves to the mournful sounding rūrū.