Range

Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Timor-Least provide a home for the southern boobook owl. In Australia their range covers most of the country.

Habitat

They make their home in forest, shrubland and desert. Their main requirement is trees in which they can nest. Those in Queensland live in dense rainforest.

Southern boobook owls have also adapted to live near humans.

Reproduction

Breeding takes place from late winter to early summer.

Their nest is made in a tree hollow that is lined with wood shavings, twigs and leaves. The female alone will incubate the two to three eggs over the 35 day incubation period. While she incubates the eggs the male will bring her food. These are colored white and round in shape.

Both the male and female will work to feed the chicks. They remain in the nest for 42 days.

Once they leave the nest they still require care from their parents for two to three months.

Behavior

They are primarily nocturnal but they will also hunt in the afternoon or early morning on occasion. During the day they will typically rest in a rock crevice or tree hollow. Some rest on tree branches but often they will be harassed by smaller birds if they do this.

Their distinctive call is a two toned 'boo-book' or 'mo-poke' call.

Predators and Threats

Introduced predators such as the domestic cat and rats will prey upon southern boobook owls.

Humans affect the population of boobook owls through habitat destruction which removes the tree hollows they need to nest in.

Quick facts

They are also known as the mopoke due to their call though this name is more often applied to the related species in New Zealand.

Other alternative names for the southern boobook include the spotted owl and marbled owl.

Southern boobook owls are the smallest owl found in Australia.