The Malaita owl, also known as the Malaita boobook, is a small to medium-sized owl. It is endemic to Malaita. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the Solomons boobook.
Region
Southwest Pacific
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Malaita Island, where it inhabits lowland and hill rainforests, forest edges, and partially logged or secondary growth near villages. It prefers areas with large trees that offer roosting cover and nest cavities. The species can hunt along clearings, streams, and gardens adjacent to forest. Daytime roosts are usually in dense foliage, and activity peaks after dusk.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Malaita owl (Malaita boobook) is a small forest owl restricted to Malaita Island in the Solomon Islands. It was recently split from the Solomons boobook complex based on vocal and morphological differences. Like many Ninox owls, it nests in tree cavities and is sensitive to loss of mature forest. Its mellow, repeating “boo-book” notes often reveal its presence long before it is seen.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, low forest flight
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Pairs maintain territories and communicate with duetted calls. Nesting is in natural tree cavities, with a small clutch and attentive parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mellow, repeated double-note reminiscent of “boo-book,” delivered at steady intervals. Also gives sharp barks and screeches when alarmed or during territorial interactions.
Plumage
Compact boobook with brown upperparts showing fine pale spotting on the shoulders and wing coverts; underparts whitish to buff with bold brown streaking. Tail and wings are subtly barred; face lacks a pronounced disc but shows a soft, rounded appearance.
Diet
Primarily hunts large nocturnal insects such as beetles, katydids, and moths, taken from foliage, trunks, or caught on short sallies. It will also seize small vertebrates including geckos, skinks, and occasional rodents or small birds when available. Hunting is typically from low to mid-level perches with short, rapid strikes.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, and semi-open understory within or adjacent to primary and secondary rainforest. Frequently hunts near streams and village gardens bordering intact forest.
