Tasmanian boobook
Species of owl
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Tasmanian boobook (Ninox leucopsis), also known as the Tasmanian spotted owl, is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is native to Tasmania.
| Tasmanian boobook | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Strigiformes |
| Family: | Strigidae |
| Genus: | Ninox |
| Species: | N. leucopsis |
| Binomial name | |
| Ninox leucopsis (Gould, 1838) | |
Formerly considered conspecific with the morepork (N. novaeseelandiae), phylogenetic studies have affirmed its status as a distinct species by analyzing genetic and morphologic characteristics.[2][3] It was reclassified as distinct by the International Ornithological Congress in 2022.[4]
It is widespread in Tasmania and on King Island and other islands of Bass Strait.[5] It has been recorded in southern Victoria, once from New South Wales,[6] and once from Lord Howe Island.[7] It predominantly occurs in eucalypt forests.[8]
It is carnivorous, and a nest predator.[9]
The Tasmanian boobook is sexually dimorphic, with males typically being smaller than females.[10]