Ninox odiosa
The New Britain Boobook (*Ninox odiosa*) is a captivating, small-to-medium-sized owl endemic to the Bismarck Archipelago in Papua New Guinea, measuring approximately 20-25 cm in length with a relatively short tail. Its plumage features dark brown upperparts, often with faint barring, contrasting sharply with heavily streaked white underparts. Distinctive field marks include dark eyes set within a poorly defined facial disc, subtle pale eyebrows, and feathered yellowish feet, all without the p...
Primarily inhabits lowland and hill primary rainforests, secondary growth, and disturbed forest edges, typically found up to about 1,000 meters elevation.
Feeds predominantly on large nocturnal insects such as moths, beetles, and crickets, supplemented occasionally by small vertebrates like geckos or rodents, which it catches by perch-hunting.
This boobook is strictly nocturnal, spending its days roosting solitarily or in pairs amidst dense foliage or within tree hollows, relying on its cryptic plumage for camouflage. At dusk, it emerges to forage as a perch-and-pounce predator, actively hunting for large insects, particularly moths an...
The New Britain Boobook is strictly endemic to the Bismarck Archipelago, an island group in Papua New Guinea. Its primary distribution includes the large islands of New Britain and New Ireland, where it is found across suitable forest habitats. Additionally, it has been recorded on smaller associ...
Near Threatened
- Its scientific name, *Ninox odiosa*, translates to 'hateful owl' or 'unpleasant owl,' likely referencing its distinctive, somewhat repetitive call. - It is one of only two owl species endemic to the Bismarck Archipelago, making it a true island specialist. - Boobooks are often called 'hawk-owls...