The Tanimbar boobook, or Tanimbar hawk-owl, is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is found in the Tanimbar Islands of Indonesia. 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, Eastern Indonesia
Typical Environment
Confined to the Tanimbar archipelago, where it occupies subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, forest edges, and wooded plantations. It also uses secondary growth and mangroves where available. By night it hunts along clearings, roads, and village fringes, especially where lights attract prey. Daytime roosts are typically in dense foliage or tree cavities within forested areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Tanimbar boobook (Tanimbar hawk-owl) is an owl endemic to Indonesia’s Tanimbar Islands and was formerly treated as a subspecies of the Moluccan boobook. Its duet-like “boo-book” calls are a key field clue at night. It tolerates secondary growth and village edges but is affected by ongoing forest loss. As with many Ninox owls, it often hunts insects drawn to artificial lights.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, low forest-level flight
Social Behavior
Typically found alone or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Pairs are likely monogamous and defend small territories. Nests are placed in natural tree cavities or holes in large limbs, with a small clutch of eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a repetitive, resonant two-note “boo-book” or “pook-pook” call, often in duets. Also produces gruff barks and screeches when alarmed or in territorial disputes.
Plumage
Compact boobook with warm brown upperparts flecked with pale spots and finely barred tail. Underparts are whitish to buff with bold rufous-brown streaking and barring. Facial disc is subtle with a pale brow and darker lores.
Diet
Primarily hunts large insects such as beetles, moths, and orthopterans, taken from perches with short sallies. It also captures spiders and occasionally small vertebrates like geckos, small rodents, or small birds. Prey is swallowed whole or torn into manageable pieces with the bill.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, and near lights in villages where insects congregate. Within forests, it hunts from mid-level perches, scanning quietly before short, direct strikes.
