The Sulu boobook or Sulu hawk-owl is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is endemic to the Sulu Archipelago in the Philippines. It was previously known as a subspecies of the Philippine hawk-owl, but was reclassified in 2012, as voice and other evidence suggested it was a distinct species. It is found in tropical moist lowland forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs on islands of the Sulu Archipelago in the southern Philippines, where it inhabits tropical moist lowland forest. It uses primary and older secondary forest, and may persist in forest edges, riparian strips, and wooded mosaics near villages if tall trees remain. Roosts in dense foliage and hunts within the midstory and along edges and clearings. Its range is extremely localized due to the small size and heavy deforestation of the islands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Sulu boobook (Sulu hawk-owl) was split from the Philippine hawk-owl complex in 2012 based largely on distinctive vocalizations and subtle plumage differences. It is restricted to the Sulu Archipelago of the southern Philippines and relies on remaining lowland forest. Its bright yellow eyes and bold, barking hoots are characteristic of the Ninox boobooks. Ongoing forest loss within its tiny range is the primary threat.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short, silent wingbeats with agile maneuvering through forest
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Pairs maintain territories and vocalize in duets. Nesting is presumed in natural cavities or hollows of large trees, as in other Ninox owls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice consists of a series of resonant, barking hoots delivered at steady intervals, often in pairs or short sequences. Duets between mates are common and were key to distinguishing it from related boobooks.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with lighter mottling, and whitish to buff underparts with rufous-brown barring and streaking. Facial disk is subtle; throat often paler forming a small white patch. Feathers appear sleek and compact, typical of forest-dwelling boobooks.
Diet
Primarily hunts large insects such as beetles, moths, and orthopterans, taken by perch-and-pounce or sallying flight. Also captures small vertebrates including geckos, small rodents, and small birds when available. Prey is typically swallowed whole or torn with the hooked bill.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, clearings, and semi-open understory within lowland rainforest. Will hunt near forested villages and along riparian corridors where insects concentrate under canopy gaps.
