The ochre-bellied boobook or ochre-bellied hawk owl is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs across Sulawesi and some nearby islets, inhabiting primary and secondary lowland forests, dry deciduous woodland, and forest edge. It adapts to selectively logged forest, plantations, and agroforestry mosaics, provided there are remnant tall trees for roosting and nesting. Birds are often recorded along streams, clearings, and roads within forest. It will sometimes venture into gardens and village groves at night to hunt.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the ochre-bellied hawk-owl, this small Ninox owl is found only on Sulawesi, Indonesia. It frequents forest edges and can hunt around village lights where insects gather. Like many Sulawesi endemics, it is impacted by ongoing deforestation and habitat fragmentation. Its warm ochre underparts and piercing yellow eyes make it distinctive among regional boobooks.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches; agile in cluttered forest
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, especially at dusk and early night when calling from exposed perches. Pairs defend territories and likely nest in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes. Clutch size is small, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Call is a clear, repetitive two-note 'boo-book' phrase, often delivered in steady series. Additional chattering notes and short trills may be given during territorial exchanges or pair contact.
