The Seram boobook, also Hantu boobook, Moluccan boobook or Moluccan hawk owl, is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is found on the Indonesian islands of Seram, Kelang and Ambon. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss. It used to be considered a subspecies of the Moluccan boobook.
Region
Maluku Islands, Indonesia
Typical Environment
Found on Seram, Kelang and Ambon in the central Maluku Islands. It occupies primary and secondary lowland to foothill rainforest, forest edges, and wooded river corridors. The species can persist in selectively logged forest and tall secondary growth but prefers closed-canopy habitats. It often hunts along gaps and clearings where prey activity is higher. Proximity to intact forest patches is important for nesting and roosting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Seram boobook is a small forest owl restricted to the Seram–Ambon island group in Indonesia. It hunts by perching quietly and sallying out to seize prey on the wing or from the ground. Its double-noted hooting call carries well through humid lowland forests at night. Ongoing forest loss on Seram and nearby islands poses the main threat to this species.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile manoeuvring through forest
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Nests are presumed in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, with pairs defending a small territory. Roosts quietly by day in dense foliage close to the trunk.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A repeated, low double-note hoot reminiscent of a soft 'boo-book', often delivered in spaced series at night. Calls may accelerate or become more insistent during pair duets and territorial exchanges.
