The West Solomons owl, also referred to as the West Solomons boobook, is a small to medium-sized owl, measuring 23–31 cm (9.1–12.2 in) in length. Its upperparts are rusty brown, sometimes spotted or barred with white, its chest is buffy white, sometimes spotted or barred with brown, and its creamy belly is unmarked. It has a grayish-brown facial disc, edged by narrow white eyebrows and a band of white across the throat.
Region
Melanesia
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and hill rainforests of the western Solomon Islands, including primary forest, mature secondary growth, and forest edges. It hunts along clearings, stream margins, and the edges of plantations adjacent to forest. By day it roosts in dense foliage or tree cavities, relying on camouflage to avoid detection. It tolerates some habitat modification but is most frequent where sizeable forest tracts remain.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the West Solomons boobook, this small owl inhabits forests on islands in the western Solomon Islands. It is strictly nocturnal and is often detected by its repeated hooting calls rather than by sight. It nests in natural tree cavities and relies on intact forest for roosting by day. Like many island owls, it shows subtle plumage variation among islands.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick glides between perches
Social Behavior
Mostly encountered singly or in pairs, defending territories at night with vocalizations. Breeding pairs nest in tree cavities, typically laying 1–2 eggs, with both parents attending the young. Roosting sites are reused and can be well concealed in dense vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, resonant hoots often given in pairs, with accelerating or rhythmic sequences at peak activity. Calls carry well through forest and are used for territory advertisement and pair contact.
