Scientific Name: Ninox japonica
Malay Name: Pungguk Betemak Utara
Chinese Name: 北鹰鸮
Range: Breeding Range: (OR) Russian Far East to Korea, Japan; Taiwan
Taxonomy: Polytypic. Subspecies are: florensis, japonica, totogo.
Size: 30-31 cm
Identification: Similar to Brown Boobook, but differs in its proportionately smaller head, more elongated appearance, longer wings that almost reach the tail-tip when perched, and teardrop-shaped (vs. heart-shaped) markings on underparts. Some Brown Boobook can show a combination of heart-shaped and teardrop-shaped markings, but these are usually restricted to the flanks and markings on the lower belly are heart-shaped.
Similar looking species: Brown Boobook
Habitat: While on migration will make use of any habitat with trees, including scrubland and other areas outside of the closed forests that characterise our central reserves. In comparison, Brown Boobook is only occasionally encountered outside forest.
Behaviour/Ecology: Long-distance migrant from eastern Asia. Vocalisations are highly distinct from local Brown Boobook, but calls rarely in its wintering grounds.
Local Status: Rare migrant
Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2016)
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Migrant bar chart (see more bar charts):
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
eBird Species page: eBird (Northern Boobook)
References:
BirdLife International. (2016). Ninox japonica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22725653A94898452.en. Accessed on 1 January 2023
Jeyarajasingam, A., & Pearson, A. (2012). A Field Guide to the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Oxford University Press.
Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.
RECOMMENDED CITATION
Bird Society of Singapore. (n.d.). Northern Boobook. Retrieved on December 7, 2024 from https://singaporebirds.com/species/northern-boobook.