Uroglaux dimorpha
The Papuan Hawk-Owl, *Uroglaux dimorpha*, is a strikingly slender and long-tailed owl endemic to the island of New Guinea, representing a monotypic genus that sets it apart from its closest relatives, the *Ninox* hawk-owls. Measuring 28-33 cm in length with a notable tail often held cocked, this diurnal raptor sports bright yellow eyes set within a pale facial disc, a dark crown, and rich brown upperparts contrasted by white underparts boldly barred or streaked with rufous-brown. Its distinct...
Found in lowland to lower montane primary and secondary forests, often frequenting forest edges, open woodlands, and savanna areas, typically up to 1600 meters in elevation.
Primarily preys on small to medium-sized birds, small mammals (like rodents and bats), and large insects, captured through aerial pursuit or swooping from a perch.
Unlike most owls, the Papuan Hawk-Owl exhibits largely diurnal or crepuscular activity patterns, actively hunting during the day, especially at dawn and dusk, before roosting inconspicuously in dense foliage. Its foraging strategy is notably hawk-like; it perches upright on an exposed branch, sca...
The Papuan Hawk-Owl is endemic to the island of New Guinea, with its distribution spanning both the Indonesian provinces of West Papua and Papua, and the independent nation of Papua New Guinea. It is a resident, non-migratory species, found across various lowland and lower montane regions of the ...
Least Concern
- The Papuan Hawk-Owl is the sole member of its genus, *Uroglaux*, making it a truly unique lineage among owls. - It possesses an unusually long tail for an owl, accounting for nearly half its total body length. - Its hunting style and slender build often cause it to be mistaken for a true hawk, ...