Boobook or Morepork Owl
(Ninox novaseelandiae)

The boobook owl is a native of Australia, New Zealand and New Guinea

Size: Female - Length 27-36cm (10.5-14") Wingspan 70-85cm (25.5-33.5") Weight 194-360g (7-12.5oz)
Male - Length 23-36cm (9-14") Wingspan 70-85cm (25.5-33.5") Weight 170-298g (6-10.5oz)

The Boobook or Morepork Owl is the smallest of the Australasian members of the ninox family of Hawk Owls.
A boreal owl, it inhabits woodland, and makes its nest in holes in trees.
Like all birds of limited geographic range, the boobook owl is always in danger from local problems, not least of which relates to introduced species.

Little Owls were introduced to New Zealand about 60 years ago, and are providing strong competition for food supplies. The boobook owl is, however, holding on well, and continues to do well in the rest of its range.

The Boobook's habitat is almost anywhere where there are trees. Eucalypt forest and woodland appears to be the optimum habitat but also mallee, mulga, semi-desert, tree-lined creeks, residual timber on farmland, leafy suburbs, offshore islands. They are generally absent from dense rainforest, except for the Red Boobook of north Queensland.