The Timor boobook is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is found on Timor, Roma, Leti and Semau islands in the eastern Lesser Sunda Islands.
Region
Eastern Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs on Timor, Semau, Leti, and Roma islands, inhabiting dry monsoon forest, open woodland, and scrub. It readily uses forest edges, secondary growth, and agroforestry landscapes, and can be found near settlements. Daytime roosts are typically in dense foliage or in tree hollows. It tolerates some habitat disturbance provided suitable trees for roosting and nesting remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Timor boobook is a small, nocturnal owl of the eastern Lesser Sundas, once grouped with the Australian boobook but now recognized as a distinct species. Its name echoes its characteristic two-note “boo-book” call, often heard at night near villages and forest edges. It nests in natural tree cavities and adapts well to secondary woodland and plantations.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with silent glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Likely monogamous, nesting in natural cavities of mature trees and laying a small clutch. Adults roost quietly by day and become active soon after dusk.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A repeated two-note “boo-book” or “ook-ook” phrase, carrying well at night. Pairs may duet, with the male’s call lower-pitched than the female’s.
Plumage
Mottled brown upperparts with pale spotting and streaking; underparts pale with brown streaks. Rounded head with a subtle facial disc and white throat patch. Tail and wings show fine pale barring.
Diet
Primarily hunts large nocturnal insects such as moths, beetles, and orthopterans. It also takes small vertebrates opportunistically, including geckos, small rodents, and small birds. Prey is usually taken from perches by short sallies or pounced upon on the ground or foliage.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, clearings, and lightly wooded areas where prey is abundant. Often forages near villages and along roads, sometimes exploiting insects attracted to lights.
