Malaita owl

Athene malaitae

The Malaita owl (Athene malaitae) is a small owl species endemic to the island of Malaita in the Solomon Islands. It is characterized by its distinctive round facial disc and bright yellow eyes. This nocturnal bird hunts for insects, small mammals, and birds in the dense tropical forests of Malaita. The Malaita owl is known for its haunting call that echoes through the forest at night. Due to habitat loss and potential predation by invasive species, the conservation status of the Malaita owl is currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

Habitat: Tropical forests of Malaita