Southern Boobook

Did you know?

The Southern Boobook, often refered to a 'Mopoke' after its call, is Australia's smallest owl.

Calls
A distinctive 'boo-book' or 'mo-poke'.
Facts and Figures
Research Species: 
No
Minimum Size: 
25cm
Maximum Size: 
33cm
Average size: 
29cm
Breeding season: 
September to February; mainly October
Clutch Size: 
2 to 3 (occasionally up to 5)
Nestling Period: 
42 days
Conservation Status
Federal: 
NSW: 
NT: 
QLD: 
SA: 
TAS: 
VIC: 
WA: 
Basic Information
Scientific Name: 
Featured bird groups: 
Atlas Number: 
242
What does it look like?
Description: 

The Southern Boobook is the smallest and most common owl in Australia. It is identified by its plumage, which is dark chocolate-brown above and rufous-brown below, heavily streaked and spotted with white. The bill is grey with a darker tip, and the feet are grey or yellow. The facial disc is chocolate brown and the eyes are large and yellowish. Tasmanian birds are smaller and more heavily spotted with white, while birds of the Cape York rainforests are slightly larger and darker. Young Southern Boobooks are almost entirely buff-white below, with conspicuous dark brown facial discs. Like other owl species, the Southern Boobook is nocturnal. Birds are often observed perched on an open branch or tree-top. It is also known as the 'Mopoke'.

Similar species: 

The similarly plumaged Barking OwlN. connivens, is more grey-brown, and has streaks rather than spots on the underparts. The Barking Owl is also larger, measuring 35 to 45 cm.

Where does it live?
Distribution: 

Southern Boobooks are found throughout mainland Australia and Tasmania, and on some coastal islands. Closely related species are found in New Zealand, New Guinea and Indonesia.

Habitat: 

Southern Boobooks are seen in a variety of habitats from dense forest to open desert.

What does it do?
Feeding: 

The Southern Boobook feeds on insects, small mammals (such as the House Mouse, Mus musculus) and other small animal species. Feeding takes place mostly at night but some afternoon and morning activity may occur, especially on dull days. Most prey is detected by listening and watching from a suitable tall perch. Once detected, flying prey, such as moths and small bats, are seized in mid-air, while ground-dwelling prey animals are pounced upon.

Breeding: 

The Southern Boobook's nest is normally a tree hollow, which is usually sparsely lined with wood shavings, leaves and small twigs, but may be left bare. The female alone incubates the eggs, but both sexes, and sometimes a second female helper, feed the young.

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