Ninox boobook ocellata is a subspecies of the Australian boobook, which is also widely known as the southern boobook. The southern boobook is the most common and smallest owl on the Australian mainland.

The subspecies is characterised by its lighter colour than other subspecies, and is generally found in a wide range of habitats (adapting very well to human activities). Ocellata is the smallest of the boobook subspecies as it is found in the warmer western parts of Australia (north-western New South Wales/western Queensland across to Western Australia). although it is not found in arid areas.

The boobook can be commonly known as the 'mopoke' due to its call (double hoot 'boo-book'). This owl is commonly mixed up with the barking owl due to their similar appearance; however, the boobook is a fair amount smaller. The boobook feeds on insects and small vertebrates (usually around the size of a mouse).

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