Tasmanian boobook | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Aves |
Order: | Strigiformes |
Family: | Strigidae |
Genus: | Ninox |
Species: | N. leucopsis |
Binomial name | |
Ninox leucopsis (Gould, 1838) | |
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.
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 pred ator. [9]
The Tasmanian boobook is sexually dimorphic, with males typically being smaller than females. [10]