Northern Boobook
Ninox japonica
The Northern Boobook (Ninox japonica) is a uncommon owl found in 15 countries, weighing about 225 g. The northern boobook belongs to the family Strigidae and is a raptorial owl endemic to eastern and southern countries of Asia.
About the Northern Boobook
The northern boobook belongs to the family Strigidae and is a raptorial owl endemic to eastern and southern countries of Asia. The species was considered, until recently, a conspecific of Ninox scutulata or brown boobook, a species of similar distribution encompassing 11 subspecies. The species currently includes two subspecies, the migrant Ninox japonica japonica and the non-migrant Ninox japonica totogo. Despite being considered as the most common breeding owl in Japan, little research has been conducted on the species and subspecies and the taxonomic classification of N. j. totogo and N. j. japonica has been a subject of debate. There are no indications of significant decline in northern…
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How to identify it
Ninox japonica is a hawk owl species with a body length averaging between 29 and 33 cm and a wingspan of approximately 60 to 70 cm wide. Current knowledge on the species shows no sexual dimorphism and an average weight of approximately 168g. The northern boobook has a hawk-like appearance and its subspecies are practically indistinguishable. Individuals of the species will have a brown back and wings with lighter brown horizontal streaks on the tail feathers. The neck, crown and face of this bird are slightly more greyish brown aside from a small white patch above the beak. Voice: Northern boobooks vocalize through a sequence of deep ho-hos and this behavior is specific to breeding individuals during their reproductive periods. Correspondingly, the vocalization of N. japonica is seldom heard in regions where it is migrant or a winter resident.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States, Australia.
When to see it
Best months: March, April, May, June, July, September, October, with peak activity in June. It is a summer visitor species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Northern Boobook?
- Ninox japonica is a hawk owl species with a body length averaging between 29 and 33 cm and a wingspan of approximately 60 to 70 cm wide. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Northern Boobook?
- The Northern Boobook is a medium sized bird weighing about 225 g.
- Where can you see a Northern Boobook?
- The Northern Boobook occurs in 15 countries, including Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, China and Thailand.
- What birds look similar to a Northern Boobook?
- The Northern Boobook is most easily confused with the Morepork, the Australian Boobook and the Powerful Owl.
- Is the Northern Boobook endangered?
- The Northern Boobook is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Northern Boobook for real
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