Corvus frugilegus
Rook
Family: Corvidae
Origin: Europe
![A rook balancing on a post.](/media/xo2pfzsz/rook-02.jpg?rxy=0.54989787610872265,0.44944934705858647&width=1110&height=625&v=1d7e511b534f370)
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
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.](/media/upkpzdyb/rook-01.jpg?width=700&height=390&v=1d7e511b5305f90;)
Black legs and feet with sharp claws.
![Two rooks feeding on a grass verge.](/media/osjkpdlm/rook-03.jpg?width=700&height=390&v=1d7e511b53bf850;)
Glossy black feathers with a violet- blue tint.