Brown Boobook

Overview

The brown boobook (Ninox scutulata), also known as the brown hawk-owl, is a medium-sized owl characterised by a hawk-like shape due to its long tail and lack of a distinct facial disk. It is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Size: Approximately 32 cm (13 in) in length.
• Plumage: Dark brown upperparts with a barred tail; whitish underparts with reddish-brown streaking, though Andaman subspecies have dark brown underparts.
• Eyes: Large and yellow.
• Song: A repeated, low, soft, and musical 'oo-uk ...ooo-uk'.

Habitat

Found in well-wooded country and forest across most of tropical south Asia, ranging from the Middle East to south China. It is also common in towns and cities such as Colombo, Sri Lanka, and in suburban areas near buildings. The species is a resident breeder that typically lays three to five eggs in a tree hole.

Diet

Feeds mainly on large insects, frogs, lizards, small birds, and mice. Being nocturnal, it may be heard at dusk and dawn, but is often located during the day by small birds mobbing it while it roosts in a tree.

Did you know?

Despite its range in tropical South and Southeast Asia, two records have been noted in the western hemisphere: an individual photographed on St. Paul Island, Alaska, in 2007, and a dead owl found on Kiska Island in 2008.