Ninox meeki
The Manus Boobook (Ninox meeki) is a charismatic, medium-sized owl, endemic to the remote Manus Island of Papua New Guinea. Measuring approximately 23-27 cm in length with a wingspan likely around 50-60 cm, it presents a striking appearance with its predominantly dark brown upperparts and rufous-brown underparts, finely adorned with small white spots on the crown, nape, and scapulars. Its distinctive field marks include relatively small size for a boobook, a less defined facial disc, and pier...
This species primarily inhabits tropical lowland rainforests, including both primary and mature secondary growth, typically found from sea level up to around 600 meters elevation.
Its diet primarily consists of large insects, particularly beetles and moths, supplemented by small vertebrates such as geckos, frogs, and small rodents, captured through nocturnal ambush predation.
The Manus Boobook is a strictly nocturnal predator, typically beginning its activity around dusk and calling throughout the night from concealed perches within the forest canopy. During the day, it roosts solitarily or in pairs amidst dense foliage, relying on its cryptic plumage for camouflage. ...
The Manus Boobook is strictly endemic to Manus Island, the largest of the Admiralty Islands, which are part of Papua New Guinea in the Bismarck Archipelago. Its entire known distribution is confined to this single island, spanning tropical lowland areas from sea level up to approximately 600 mete...
Least Concern
- The Manus Boobook is an island endemic, found nowhere else in the world except Manus Island, Papua New Guinea. - It is one of the smaller species within the diverse *Ninox* genus, often referred to as 'hawk-owls'. - Despite its restricted range, its population is currently considered stable, le...