Australian boobook

The Australian boobook, is a species of owl native to mainland Australia, southern New Guinea, the island of Timor, and the Sunda Islands. Described by John Latham in 1801, it was generally considered to be the same species as the morepork of New Zealand until 1999. Its name is derived from its two-tone boo-book call. Eight subspecies of the Australian boobook are recognized, with three further subspecies being reclassified as separate species in 2019 due to their distinctive calls and genetics.

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Distribution

Region

Australia and southern New Guinea

Typical Environment

Common across most of mainland Australia, including woodlands, open forests, and urban parks and gardens. It also occurs on nearby islands and extends into southern New Guinea and parts of the Lesser Sundas. Prefers mosaic habitats with open areas for hawking and mature trees that provide hollows for nesting and daytime roosts. Frequently seen along forest edges, creek lines, and farmlands with scattered trees.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1800 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size27–36 cm

Wing Span55–75 cm

Male Weight0.25 kg

Female Weight0.28 kg

Life Expectancy12 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

The Australian boobook is the smallest and most widespread owl in Australia, named for its distinctive two-note “boo-book” call. It often thrives in suburban areas, hunting around streetlights that attract insects. Pairs typically occupy the same territory year-round and nest in natural tree hollows. Historically lumped with the New Zealand morepork, it was split based on differences in calls and genetics.

Gallery

The c. 1790 painting by Thomas Watling on which Latham's description is based

Illustration of N. b. fusca by J. G. Keulemans

Red boobook – N. b. lurida

Subspecies ocellata, Central Australia

Subspecies boobook roosting in Melbourne

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with silent glides

Social Behavior

Usually seen alone or in pairs; pairs may maintain territories for years. Breeds in tree hollows, often reusing the same cavity, and the female incubates while the male provides food. Juveniles may remain nearby for weeks after fledging, begging with high-pitched calls.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A resonant, repeating two-note call that sounds like “boo-book” or “mo-poke,” carrying well at night. Also gives soft hoots, barks, and squeals during territorial or courtship interactions.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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