The Boobook Owl - Australias Smallest Owl

There is 11 species of owls that can be found here in Australia, with Australias smallest owl being the Boobook. In this episode we get to meet a Southern Boobook Owl named Alby thanks to our friends at Animals Anonymous.
There are actually several subspecies on Boobook owls, distributed throughout Mainland Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand and parts of Papua New Guinae and Indonesia. While their massive distrubution serves as a buffer against any threats, two sub species of Boobook owls, One from Lord Howe Island and the other from Norfolk Island are today considered extinct as a result of introduced competition from other owls, introduced parrots and honey bees as well as habitat loss.
On the mainland however the Boobook owls man threat is today the use of chemical rodent baits which have the ability to build up in the boobook owls fat reserves throughout the year, and end up poisoning the owl during times where the owls have to draw on those fat reserves

[boojaz]

I hear one of these almost every night. Never thought they'd be that cute.


Their eyes are enchanting.

[jasonholland]

Nick, what a conservationist. Good work. Owls are fascinating birds. Their feather structure and flight pattern, coupled with their big eyes with super vision, make them stealth hunters at night. In total darkness they can maneuver between branches and vegetation brush to hone in on their prey. Their flight is virtually silent.

[loriminick]

Thanks Nick for doing more great videos! You are always spot on. Keep it up and owls are my favorite animal. They are my spirit animal 😊❤️

[laurenberriman]

Currently listening to one calling in a tree in my backyard 🥰

[Malc]

What an excellent video with useful information. Sad to hear of extinctions and hope man does no more damage as they've done already.

[johnbrame]

Great video. Such a cute bird. I have been reading about rodenticides. They are so readily available at your local hardware and many other shops. I also read that the second generation rodenticide is really deadly. I wish the sale of this stuff could be banned.

[TheWildlifeBrothers]

Fantastic work Nick, and such a cool owl species! I’ve never actually seen this species featured in a video and I didn’t know too much about them, but they are gorgeous and fascinating little birds for sure! They remind me a bit of the Ferruginous Pygmy Owl from Central America, both small and perfect predators, true marvels of evolution. I can’t wait for more Nick!
- Harrison

[kharnifex]

I fed a pair at the national zoo Canberra, they did this cute interchange where they basically spun their heads around and bobobobobo rapidly

[tedsmall]

I think owls are absolutely amazing. I really think they are my favourite. Thanks for another really interesting video.

[womble]

One of these has started spending the day perched up in the steel beams that hold up a shed roof. Almost every day I see it there. I'd love to find a suitable nesting box or something for it.

[Gottalovecarpetpythons]

Now how cute are they and thanks for showing us. We do have some gorgeous looking owls. Being so small being up high is great place for these little ones. We sure do make some bad decicions at times for some species but will we ever learn, lets hope so.

[benstone]

Love hearing these guys in the Adelaide foothills

[johnpollock]

Another name for the Boobook Owl is the Mopoke. Sometimes it is called the Morepork. It sounds different to different people.

[laurelscott]

Beautiful. I have one( or 2?) living around me. But I think it’s grey. Only going by a poor night light but the call is unmistakeable.

[lindagray]

The owl looks as though it's reacting to what you say...

[mfitzgerald]

Great commentary, please include bird calls letting the public know what a bird call sounds like will help Citizens help protect different animals habitats in their areas/ yard's. 🌲🌅🌈🐎🌌✨

[belizeguy]

As always, great information. Thanks!

[theskyisblue]

I saw one of these on a fence last week.

[annaritaranalli]

Hi ....fattish and little wonderful bird

[thecalmingspace]

In New Zealand, the owl is either called a Morepork or a Ruru Owl, are they the same thing though? Boobook and Ruru?