Luzon Boobook

Overview

The Luzon boobook (Ninox philippensis), also known as the Luzon hawk owl, is a small owl endemic to the Philippines where it inhabits forested environments. It is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, though its population is declining due to habitat clearance.

Identification

• Brown and white mottled plumage with oval white spots on the wings and narrow white stripes on the dark brown tail
• White eyebrow-like streaks above the eyes and beak, plus a white moustache forming an x-shape on the head
• Olive beak and pale yellow feet that are partially covered with feathers
• Lack of ear tufts, with males and females appearing similar in appearance

Habitat

Found throughout the Philippines in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and tropical moist montane forests. The species resides primarily below 1,000 m, though it can be found up to an altitude of 1,800 m.

Diet

Feeds on insects, frogs, small rodents, and even birds.

Did you know?

The species utilises hollows in trees as nesting sites during a breeding season that begins around February, with fledglings reported in March and May.