The Makira owl, also known as the Makira boobook, is a small to medium-sized species of owl in the Family Strigidae. It is endemic to Makira. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the Solomons boobook. The Makira boobook prefers habitats of Subtropical and Tropical Moist Lowland. It is possibly extant to Ugi Island and Owariki.
Region
Southwest Pacific
Typical Environment
Endemic to the island of Makira with possible presence on adjacent Ugi and Owariki. Occupies subtropical and tropical moist lowland forest, including primary forest, tall secondary growth, and forest edges. It uses mid- to upper-canopy perches along streams and clearings to hunt. The species tolerates light to moderate logging but remains closely tied to forest cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Makira boobook, this owl is confined to Makira (San Cristóbal) in the Solomon Islands and was formerly treated as part of the Solomons boobook complex. Its name refers to a subtle rosy wash on the underwing coverts that can be seen in good light. It favors lowland moist forest but can persist in selectively logged areas and forest edges. Reports suggest it may also occur on nearby Ugi and Owariki islets.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, silent flight through forest
Social Behavior
Primarily nocturnal and pairs defend territories using vocal duets. Likely monogamous, nesting in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes. Clutch size is small, with adults providing close parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A repeated two-note ‘boo-book’ style call typical of Ninox owls, delivered at intervals from concealed perches. Pairs may duet with softer contact hoots and occasional harsher screeches when agitated.
Plumage
Compact, mottled brown owl with fine pale spotting on the upperparts and streaked or lightly barred underparts; wings and tail show darker barring. Underwing coverts can show a faint rosy or rufous tint. Facial disk is plain brown with subtle pale edging.
Diet
Feeds mainly on large insects such as beetles, moths, and orthopterans, taken by sallying from perches or gleaning from foliage. It will also take small lizards and other small vertebrates opportunistically. Prey is swallowed whole or torn into manageable pieces at the perch.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along forest edges, riparian corridors, and light gaps where flying insects concentrate. Frequently uses mid-canopy perches overlooking clearings and paths.
