The Manus boobook, Manus hawk owl, Admiralty hawk owl or Admiralty Islands hawk owl is a small owl. It has an unmarked brown facial disk, rufous crown and back, barred white flight feathers and tail, and whitish underparts with rufous streaking. Its call is repeated growling, like that of a frog.
Region
Admiralty Islands
Typical Environment
Endemic to Manus Island and nearby islets in the Admiralty group, north of New Guinea. It occupies primary lowland rainforest as well as secondary forest, forest edges, and coconut plantations. The species readily uses wooded gardens and village outskirts where large trees remain. It roosts in dense foliage or tree cavities by day and hunts along edges, clearings, and tracks at night.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Manus boobook is a small hawk-owl confined to Manus Island in the Admiralty Islands of Papua New Guinea. It has an unmarked brown facial disk, rufous crown and back, barred white flight feathers and tail, and whitish underparts with rufous streaking. Its call is a repeated growling, frog-like series, and pairs often duet at night. It tolerates secondary growth and gardens near forest, which helps it persist despite some habitat change.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with silent flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs. Forms monogamous pairs that maintain small territories. Nests in natural tree cavities; clutch is small, and both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A repeated growling, frog-like call delivered at intervals, especially at night. Pairs often exchange duets, and birds may give soft hoots or gruffs when agitated.
