Sulu boobook facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sulu boobook |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ninox
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| Species: |
reyi
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The Sulu boobook or Sulu hawk-owl (Ninox reyi) is a special type of owl that lives only in the Sulu Archipelago in the Philippines. It's part of the Strigidae family, which includes many kinds of owls. This owl was once thought to be a subspecies of the Philippine hawk-owl. However, in 2012, scientists decided it was its own unique species. They made this decision based on its distinct voice and other features. You can find the Sulu boobook living in tropical lowland forests. Sadly, it is threatened because its home is disappearing.
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What the Sulu Boobook Looks Like
The Sulu boobook is a fairly small owl. It has a unique look that helps identify it.
Colors and Patterns
This owl has a pattern of stripes all over its body. Its upper parts and head are brown. Its belly is a lighter, orange-brown color. You might see white speckles on its wings. There is also a broken pale stripe behind its shoulder. The lower part of its belly is light in color.
Face and Features
The Sulu boobook has long "whiskers" around its face. These are actually special feathers. It has bright yellow eyes. A white patch on its throat is also a key feature.
Unique Calls
This owl is special because of its voice. Unlike other Philippine hawk-owls that often make screeching sounds, the Sulu boobook makes a series of clucking notes. Its call starts with many fast clucks, then ends with three slower ones. It sounds like "kukukukukuku klok-klok-klok."
Size of the Owl
The Sulu boobook is a medium-sized owl, growing to about 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) tall. This is similar in size to the Mindoro boobook. Some other owls in the Philippine hawk-owl group are larger, like the Camiguin boobook, which can be 25 centimeters tall. Others are smaller, such as the Luzon boobook, which is only 15 to 18 centimeters tall.
Where the Sulu Boobook Lives and Its Safety
The Sulu boobook lives in tropical forests. These forests are usually moist and found in low-lying areas.
Its Home
You can find these owls in both old, untouched forests and forests that have grown back after being cut down. They live at elevations up to 700 meters (about 2,300 feet) above sea level. Sometimes, they are also seen at the edges of forests, in clearings, or even in farm areas. On one island called Tawi-Tawi, these owls also live in old mangrove forests and big trees near villages.
Why It's in Danger
The IUCN Red List is a list that shows how threatened different species are. It says the Sulu boobook is a vulnerable animal. This means it is at risk of becoming extinct. Scientists believe there are only about 1,000 to 2,499 adult Sulu boobooks left.
The biggest danger to these owls is the loss of their home, which is called habitat loss. Forests are being cleared very quickly. This happens because of both legal and illegal logging, where trees are cut down. Forests are also destroyed for mining, to create farmlands, or to grow palm oil trees. Cities are also growing, which means more land is taken away from the forest.
Because of this fast loss of habitat in the Sulu Archipelago, many other animals that live only in this area are also in danger. These include the Sulu hornbill, the Tawitawi brown dove, the blue-winged racket-tail, and the Sulu pygmy woodpecker.
Helping the Sulu Boobook
Right now, there isn't a specific plan just for saving the Sulu boobook. However, protecting its forest home would help many other animals too.
