Fearful Owl illustration
Birdsong field guide

Fearful Owl

Asio solomonensis

A large, secretive nocturnal raptor endemic to the Solomon Islands, distinguished by its powerful bill and striking tawny plumage.

What it sounds like

A series of low, rhythmic 'wuh-wuh' notes culminating in a loud, rising, eerie scream.

Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Rec. Jan-Uwe Schmidt · Papua New GuineaCC BY-NC-SAXeno-canto

Field notes

  • Possesses a disproportionately massive and hooked beak compared to other members of the Asio genus.
  • Primary prey consists of large arboreal mammals, specifically the northern common cuscus and various fruit bats.
  • Often historically classified in its own monotypic genus, Nesasio, due to its unique morphological adaptations.
  • Populations are restricted to only three islands in the archipelago: Bougainville, Choiseul, and Santa Isabel.
  • Remains one of the world's least-studied strigiforms due to its remote habitat and extremely shy nature.
Habitat
Primary tropical lowland and montane rainforests.
Range
Solomon Islands archipelago (Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands).

Similar & commonly confused birds

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