West Solomons owl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids West Solomons owl |
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| Genus: |
Athene
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| Species: |
jacquinoti
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The West Solomons owl (Athene jacquinoti), also called the West Solomons boobook, is a small to medium-sized owl. It is about 23–31 cm (9.1–12.2 in) long. This owl has rusty brown feathers on its back. These feathers sometimes have white spots or stripes. Its chest is a buffy white, also sometimes with brown spots or stripes. The owl's belly is a plain creamy color. It has a grayish-brown face with narrow white eyebrows and a white band across its throat.
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What is the West Solomons Owl?
The West Solomons owl is a type of bird found only in the western Solomon Islands archipelago. It lives in warm, wet forests, both in low areas and on hills. You can find it up to 1,500 m (4,900 ft) above sea level. This owl is active at night, which means it is nocturnal. It hunts for insects and small animals. During the day, it rests inside tree holes or in the main branches of a tree.
How Did the West Solomons Owl Get Its Name?
A scientist named Charles Lucien Bonaparte first described this owl in 1850. He gave it the scientific name Athene jacquinoti. The name Athene is a group name for certain owls. The second part, jacquinoti, honors Charles Hector Jacquinot. He was a French explorer who spent a lot of time exploring the Pacific Ocean. The common name, West Solomons owl, simply tells us where this bird lives.
What Other Owls Are Related to the West Solomons Owl?
Scientists have studied owls from different islands in the Solomon Islands. They found that some owls once thought to be the same as the West Solomons owl are actually different species. For example, owls from Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Bauro & Makira islands are now considered separate species. These are the Guadalcanal owl, the Malaita owl, and the Makira owl. Before these discoveries, all these owls were known together as the Solomons boobook.
Is the West Solomons Owl Endangered?
The exact number of West Solomons owls in the world is not known. However, it is believed to be common in the areas where it lives. The number of these owls seems to be staying steady. Even though some young and adult owls are sometimes taken from the wild to be kept as pets, this does not seem to be a major threat to the overall population.
