Ninox albifacies
The Laughing Owl, *Ninox albifacies*, was a medium-sized, highly distinctive owl endemic to New Zealand, tragically extinct since the early 20th century. Measuring approximately 35-40 cm in length and weighing 500-600 grams, it possessed a striking white facial disk framed by prominent, pale supraorbital feathers that gave it a 'browsing' appearance. Its plumage consisted of rich tawny-brown upperparts mottled with lighter spots, contrasting with paler, streaked underparts and a tawny-brown i...
Historically, the Laughing Owl inhabited open, rocky country, particularly limestone outcrops, scrubland, and forest edges, from lowlands to moderate elevations.
Its diet consisted mainly of large flightless insects (e.g., wētā, beetles), reptiles (lizards), small birds, and, significantly, introduced mice and rats after European settlement. It primarily hunted by ambushing prey on the ground.
Primarily nocturnal, the Laughing Owl roosted in rock crevices, caves, and dense vegetation during the day. Its foraging strategy was unique among owls, often involving running on the ground to pursue large invertebrates like wētā, reptiles, small birds, and, post-European arrival, introduced rod...
The Laughing Owl was endemic to New Zealand, historically distributed across both the North and South Islands. While it was present on both main islands, it was more prevalent in the drier, open, and semi-arid regions of the eastern South Island, particularly in areas like Canterbury and Otago. O...
Extinct
- The Laughing Owl's scientific name, *albifacies*, literally means 'white face', referring to its distinctive facial disk. - The last confirmed specimen was found dead in February 1914, although unconfirmed sightings persisted for a few decades afterward. - Māori folklore sometimes associated th...