Ninox forbesi
The Tanimbar Boobook (*Ninox forbesi*) is a small, enigmatic owl endemic to the remote Tanimbar Islands of Indonesia. Measuring approximately 23-28 cm (9-11 inches) in length, it exhibits typical boobook morphology with a compact body and rounded head. Its plumage is predominantly dark brown on the upperparts, contrasting with paler, rufous-barred underparts, giving it a distinctive streaked appearance. Prominent white eyebrows above large, bright yellow eyes are key field marks, along with a...
The Tanimbar Boobook primarily inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, including both primary and degraded secondary growth, often found in coastal and disturbed areas.
The Tanimbar Boobook feeds mainly on large insects such as moths, beetles, and crickets, which it catches on the wing or from perches. It may also occasionally take small vertebrates like geckos or small mammals.
This boobook is predominantly nocturnal, becoming active at dusk and hunting throughout the night, roosting inconspicuously in dense foliage during daylight hours. Its foraging strategy typically involves sallying from a perch to capture insects in mid-air or snatching them from vegetation or the...
The Tanimbar Boobook is strictly endemic to the Tanimbar Islands archipelago in the Maluku province of Indonesia. Its distribution is concentrated primarily on the larger islands within the group, including Yamdena, Larat, and Saumlaki. There are no known migratory movements for this species; it ...
Near Threatened
- The Tanimbar Boobook is an island endemic, found only on the Tanimbar Islands of Indonesia. - Its distinctive call is often described as a repeated 'poop-poop-poop' sound. - Despite its 'boobook' name, it's more closely related to hawk-owls due to its slender build and fast flight. - This small...