Least boobook facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Least boobook |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ninox
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| Species: |
sumbaensis
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The least boobook (Ninox sumbaensis) is a small type of owl. It is also known as the little Sumba hawk-owl or little Sumba boobook. This owl lives only on the Indonesian island of Sumba. Its natural home is in warm, wet forests found in low-lying areas. Sadly, it is in danger because its habitat (where it lives) is being destroyed.
Contents
Discovering the Least Boobook
For a long time, scientists knew there was a special, unknown owl living on Sumba island. This was back in the 1980s. They wanted to learn more about it.
How Scientists Found It
Scientists used a special method called phylogenetic analysis. They studied a single feather from the owl. This analysis helped them figure out that it was a new type of owl. It belonged to a group of owls called Ninox.
A Special Call
This owl had a very unique call. It made a low whistling sound, like "who". It repeated this sound every four seconds. This special call helped scientists tell it apart from other owls. When they played a recording of this call on Sumba, other owls in the area would answer back!
First Official Description
In late 2001, scientists finally got to study a real least boobook. This allowed them to describe the bird in detail for the very first time. They officially named it Ninox sumbaensis, which is the least boobook.
What Does the Least Boobook Look Like?
The least boobook is a small owl. It is about 23 centimeters (9 inches) long. It weighs around 90 grams (3.2 ounces), which is about the same as a small apple.
Key Features
Its head is grey and has thin, dark stripes. It has clear white eyebrows, but the feathers around its face are not very noticeable. The owl has a large, yellow beak and bright yellow eyes. Unlike some other owls, it does not have ear tufts (feathers that look like ears).
Body and Wings
The top part of its body is light brown. It has dark, wavy patterns that are spread out. Its belly and chest are whitish with thin, dark V-shaped marks. The tail is a light reddish-brown color with dark stripes. Its legs and claws are yellow.
Comparing to Other Owls
The least boobook is smaller than another owl found on Sumba, called the Sumba boobook (Ninox rudolfi). The least boobook also has longer wings compared to its body size.
Where the Least Boobook Lives and Why It's Endangered
Scientists do not know much about the daily life of the least boobook. However, they have seen several pairs of these owls. They live in both old, untouched forests and forests that have grown back after being cut down.
Its Home and Threats
These owls have not been seen in the open areas around the forests. This is where the Sumba boobook usually hunts. The least boobook needs the forest to survive.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed this owl as "Endangered". This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever. It is endangered because:
- It lives in a very small area.
- There are not many of these owls left in total.
- Its numbers are likely going down. This is mainly because people are clearing away the forests where it lives.
