Bismarck Hawk Owl
Encyclopedia
The New Ireland Boobook, Ninox variegata, also known as the Bismarck Hawk Owl, is a small to medium-sized owl measuring 25 to 30 cm (9.8 to 11.8 in) in length. It is a dark rufous-brown above, with barred scapular feathers and variable amounts of spotting or barring on the wings and tail. Its underparts are whitish, with an unmarked pale throat, a dark barred upper breast and barring on the remainder of the underparts. Its face is dark brown, its eyes are brown or yellow, and its bill and legs are yellow. It is short-tailed and has heavy tarsi
(the part of the leg above what is commonly referred to as the foot).
Endemic to the Bismarck archipelago
, it occurs on the islands of New Britain
, New Ireland
and New Hanover
, where it lives in forested lowlands, hills and mountains, up to an altitude of 1000 m (3,280.8 ft).
It was first described as Noctua variegata by French naturalists Jean René Constant Quoy
and Joseph Paul Gaimard
in 1830.
Although its population size has not been quantified, it is widespread and fairly common in forest and forest edges within its range, and its numbers are thought to be stable. Deforestation
is thought to be a likely threat to the species.
Tarsi
The tarsi are two comparatively thick, elongated plates of dense connective tissue, about 2.5 cm. in length; one is found in each eyelid, and contributes to its form and support. They directly abut the lid margins.-Superior:...
(the part of the leg above what is commonly referred to as the foot).
Endemic to the Bismarck archipelago
Bismarck Archipelago
The Bismarck Archipelago is a group of islands off the northeastern coast of New Guinea in the western Pacific Ocean and is part of the Islands Region of Papua New Guinea.-History:...
, it occurs on the islands of New Britain
New Britain
New Britain, or Niu Briten, is the largest island in the Bismarck Archipelago of Papua New Guinea. It is separated from the island of New Guinea by the Dampier and Vitiaz Straits and from New Ireland by St. George's Channel...
, New Ireland
New Ireland (island)
New Ireland is a large island in Papua New Guinea, approximately 7,404 km² in area. It is the largest island of the New Ireland Province, lying northeast of the island of New Britain. Both islands are part of the Bismarck Archipelago, named after Otto von Bismarck, and they are separated by...
and New Hanover
New Hanover Island
New Hanover Island, , also called Lavongai, is a large volcanic island in New Ireland Province, part of the Bismarck Archipelago of the New Guinea Islands region of Papua New Guinea, at...
, where it lives in forested lowlands, hills and mountains, up to an altitude of 1000 m (3,280.8 ft).
It was first described as Noctua variegata by French naturalists Jean René Constant Quoy
Jean René Constant Quoy
Jean René Constant Quoy was a French zoologist.Along with Joseph Paul Gaimard he served as naturalist aboard La Coquille under Louis Isidore Duperrey during its circumnavigation of the globe , and the Astrolabe under the command of Jules Dumont d'Urville...
and Joseph Paul Gaimard
Joseph Paul Gaimard
Joseph Paul Gaimard was a French naval surgeon and naturalist.Along with Jean René Constant Quoy he served as naturalist on the ships L'Uranie under Louis de Freycinet 1817-1820, and L'Astrolabe under Jules Dumont d'Urville 1826-1829...
in 1830.
Although its population size has not been quantified, it is widespread and fairly common in forest and forest edges within its range, and its numbers are thought to be stable. Deforestation
Deforestation
Deforestation is the removal of a forest or stand of trees where the land is thereafter converted to a nonforest use. Examples of deforestation include conversion of forestland to farms, ranches, or urban use....
is thought to be a likely threat to the species.