Mindanao boobook

The Mindanao boobook or Mindanao hawk-owl is a species of owl in the family Strigidae that is endemic to the Philippines on the island of Mindanao. It was previously known as a subspecies of the Philippine hawk-owl, but was reclassified in 2012, as voice and other evidence suggested it a distinct species. It is found in tropical moist lowland forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.

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Distribution

Region

Southern Philippines (Mindanao and adjacent islands)

Typical Environment

Occurs across Mindanao and nearby islands in primary and secondary tropical moist forests. It favors lowland and foothill forest but may persist in selectively logged areas, forest edges, and riparian corridors. It uses dense canopy and midstory perches to hunt and roost. Occasionally recorded near agroforestry mosaics adjacent to forest. Nesting is typically in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes within large trees.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size23–28 cm

Wing Span50–65 cm

Male Weight0.16 kg

Female Weight0.19 kg

Life Expectancy10 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The Mindanao boobook, or Mindanao hawk-owl, was split from the Philippine hawk-owl complex in 2012 based primarily on distinctive vocalizations and subtle plumage differences. Pairs often duet at night with striking, far-carrying calls. Like many Philippine forest owls, it is sensitive to deforestation and survives best where mature or well-regenerated forest remains.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with swift, silent sallies between perches

Social Behavior

Usually encountered singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season when pairs defend territories. Nests in tree cavities; clutch size is small and both parents attend young. Roosts quietly by day in dense foliage. Pair bonds are reinforced through frequent vocal duets at night.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Distinctive, far-carrying two-note and multi-note calls, often delivered as male–female duets. The male typically gives lower-pitched hoots while the female responds with higher, sharper notes. Calls accelerate and intensify during territorial interactions.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Mindanao brown dove

The Mindanao brown dove is a threatened species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to forests on the Philippine islands of Mindanao and Basilan, but it has not been recorded from the latter island since 1937. On Mindanao, it is typically found in tropical moist montane forest. It is threatened by habitat loss and hunting. Until recently, it was considered conspecific with the Tawitawi brown dove and collectively called the dark-eared brown dove.

Mindanao heleia

The Mindanao heleia, also known as the black-masked white-eye and the Mindanao white-eye, is a species of bird in the white-eye family Zosteropidae. The specific epithet honours British zoological collector Walter Goodfellow. It is endemic to the Philippines found only on the tropical moist montane forests of Mindanao.

Mindanao hornbill

The Mindanao hornbill, also known as the Mindanao tarictic hornbill, is a medium-small species of hornbill found in the canopy of rainforests on Mindanao, Dinagat, Siargao and Basilan in the southern Philippines. All five Philippine tarictics were once considered a single species. Its population declining due to habitat destruction, hunting and the illegal wildlife trade.

Mindanao island thrush

The Mindanao island thrush, also known as the Negros island thrush, is a species of passerine in the family Turdidae. It is endemic to the Philippines found in the tropical moist montane forests of Negros and Mindanao. Prior to 2024, it was four separate subspecies of Island thrush, before the Island thrush was split into 17 species by the IOC and Clements checklist.

Mindanao lorikeet

The Mindanao lorikeet or Mount Apo lorikeet is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae. It is only found in the Philippines on the island of Mindanao. Its natural habitat is tropical moist montane forests. It is threatened by habitat loss and trapping for the illegal wildlife trade. IUCN estimates the population to be as low as 1,500 individuals with it going locally extinct in areas of its range.