The chocolate boobook is a bird species in the true owl family, Strigidae. It was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the brown boobook. It was formerly thought to be endemic to the Philippines until it was heard and recorded Karakelang in Indonesia in 1997 but there have been no subsequent records outside the Philippines since.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs on multiple Philippine islands, including large islands such as Luzon and Mindanao and in parts of the Visayas, where it inhabits lowland to lower montane forest. It favors forest edges, secondary forest, riparian strips, and wooded farmland, and can persist in human-altered landscapes if tall trees remain. Roosts by day in dense foliage or vine tangles and uses cavities or sheltered ledges for nesting. While a single report exists from Karakelang (Talaud Islands, Indonesia), there have been no subsequent confirmations outside the Philippines.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The chocolate boobook is a small true owl of the Philippines that was long treated as a subspecies of the brown boobook before being elevated to full species. A single vocal record from Karakelang (Indonesia) in 1997 prompted speculation about a wider range, but no further confirmed records exist outside the Philippines. It is adaptable, often using forest edges, secondary growth, and even agroforestry mosaics. Like many boobooks, it hunts mostly large insects but will take small vertebrates when available.
Temperament
secretive and crepuscular-nocturnal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in territorial pairs. Nests in natural tree cavities or holes in large limbs, and pairs defend nesting territories vigorously. Likely monogamous, with both adults participating in care of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a resonant series of hoots, often paired or in short phrases that accelerate slightly. Calls carry well at night and may include rapid ‘boo-book’ or ‘woot-woot’ sequences used in territorial advertisement.
