The brown boobook, also known as the brown hawk-owl, is an owl which is a resident breeder in south Asia from India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal east to western Indonesia and south China.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Indian Subcontinent east through Myanmar and Indochina to the Malay Peninsula, southern China, and the Greater Sunda Islands. Prefers forest edges, secondary woodland, plantations, mangroves, gardens, and urban parks with mature trees. Frequently found near water and along wooded streams. Readily adapts to settled areas and hunts around artificial lights.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the brown hawk-owl, this boobook is a common nocturnal raptor of South and Southeast Asia. It often hunts around streetlights, snapping up beetles and moths from perches with swift, hawk-like sallies. Its bright yellow eyes and repetitive, mellow hooting calls are distinctive at night.
Brown Boobook, Guirim, North Goa, Goa, India
N. s. burmanica at Phuket, Thailand,
Temperament
nocturnal and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; agile flier
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs; pairs may remain together year-round within a territory. Nests in tree cavities, often using old woodpecker holes or natural hollows. Clutch typically 2–4 eggs, with both parents feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of mellow, repeating hoots often rendered as 'woo-woo' or 'woook…woook'. Calls accelerate or double-note during territorial exchanges; juveniles give thin, insistent begging calls.
