The Buru boobook is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is found in Indonesia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss. It used to be considered a subspecies of the Moluccan boobook.
Region
Maluku Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Buru Island, where it occupies primary and mature secondary lowland and hill forests. It frequently uses forest edges, riverine forest, and light gaps for hunting. Day roosts are in dense foliage or vine tangles, often near the forest interior. It adapts somewhat to selectively logged forest but is less common in heavily degraded habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Buru boobook is a small owl restricted to Buru Island in Indonesia’s Maluku Islands. It was once treated as part of the Moluccan boobook complex but is now recognized as a distinct species based on vocal and plumage differences. Nocturnal and elusive, it is most often detected by its repetitive hooting call at night. Ongoing forest loss on Buru poses a risk to its habitat.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, silent flight through forest
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining territories within forested tracts. Pairs likely maintain long-term bonds and may duet at night to advertise territory. Nests are presumed to be in natural tree cavities or broken snags, with minimal nest material.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of evenly spaced, mellow hoots that may accelerate slightly, often given in repeated phrases. Pairs sometimes exchange antiphonal calls. Contact notes and alarm calls are sharper, barking hoots.
