Australian Boobook
Ninox boobook
Least ConcernAves · Strigiformes · Strigidae
About
The Australian boobook, is a species of owl native to mainland Australia, southern New Guinea, the island of Timor, and the Sunda Islands. Described by John Latham in 1801, it was generally considered to be the same species as the morepork of New Zealand until 1999. Its name is derived from its two-tone boo-book call. Eight subspecies of the Australian boobook are recognized, with three further subspecies being reclassified as separate species in 2019 due to their distinctive calls and genetics.
Fun Fact
The smallest owl on the Australian mainland, the Australian boobook is 27 to 36 cm (10.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found across mainland Australia, although it is scarce in more arid regions such as western New South Wales, southwestern and western Queensland, much of South Australia away from the coast and interior Western Australia and Northern Territory.
Diet
Preys on mice, insects, particularly nocturnal beetles and moths, and birds the size of a house sparrow (Passer domesticus).
Lifespan
15 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance