The Togian boobook or Togian hawk-owl is an owl (Strigidae) described as new to science in 2004. The bird is currently known only from three islands in the Togian group, an archipelago in the Gulf of Tomini off the coast of Sulawesi, Indonesia. The new species was discovered on 25 December 1999.
Region
Sulawesi Archipelago (Indonesia)
Typical Environment
Occurs only on a few islands in the Togian group, where it inhabits lowland and hill rainforests. It uses primary forest but can also persist in older secondary growth and at forest edges. The species roosts in dense foliage and nests in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes. It forages within the subcanopy and along forest clearings and trails at night.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Described to science in 2004, the Togian boobook is confined to three islands in the Togian group off central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Its discovery highlighted how poorly known Wallacean island avifaunas remain. It is a nocturnal forest owl whose duet-like calls help pairs maintain territories. Habitat loss on small islands is the principal concern for its long-term survival.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through forest, with brief glides between perches
Social Behavior
Typically encountered as single birds or in pairs that maintain well-defined territories. Pairs likely form long-term bonds and advertise territory with coordinated duets at dusk and night. Nests are presumed to be in tree cavities, where 1–2 eggs are laid and both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A repetitive two-note boobook-like hoot or a series of deep, resonant notes that carry through the forest at night. Calls often given antiphonally by pairs, with softer contact notes and harsher alarm calls when disturbed.
Plumage
Compact, rounded owl with brown upperparts and finely barred or streaked underparts; lacks ear tufts. The facial disc is subtle and pale, with fine markings, and the throat shows a small whitish patch.
Diet
Primarily hunts large nocturnal insects such as beetles, moths, and orthopterans. It also takes small vertebrates including geckos, frogs, and occasionally small birds or rodents. Prey is typically detected by sound or sight from a perch and seized in short sallies.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, and along trails where prey activity is concentrated. Uses subcanopy and mid-story perches, often near gaps or near village fringes where insects are abundant.
