Speckled Boobook

Mysterious and rarely seen, the Speckled Boobook is a small forest owl endemic to Sulawesi. With its piercing yellow eyes, compact body, and speckled plumage, this nocturnal hunter is a quiet guardian of the night skies over Minahasa’s forests.

Habitat & Behavior

The Speckled Boobook prefers lowland and hill rainforests, often roosting quietly in dense foliage during the day. At night, it becomes active, silently swooping through the trees in search of prey.

Distinctive Traits

Medium-sized owl with brown upperparts and white underparts speckled with dark markings.

Emits a soft, rhythmic “boo-book” call—a sound that gives the owl its name.

Unlike many other owls, it tends to perch in relatively open spots at dusk, making it easier to spot for lucky birders.

Diet

As a nocturnal predator, the Speckled Boobook feeds on insects, small reptiles, and rodents, helping control pest populations in the forest ecosystem.

Conservation Status

Currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, but like many forest-dependent species, the Speckled Boobook is vulnerable to deforestation and habitat fragmentation.

Did You Know?

The Speckled Boobook is one of several owl species found only on Sulawesi, showcasing the island’s extraordinary level of avian endemism.

Hear the Night Come Alive in Minahasa’s Forests

Experience the thrill of night walks in Sulawesi’s pristine reserves, where you might hear or even spot the elusive Speckled Boobook among the treetops.

🦉 Perfect for birders, night hikers, and anyone enchanted by the forest after dark.

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