North Island Laughing Owl (Ninox albifacies ssp. rufifacies)
The North Island Laughing Owl, described in 1904, inhabited the North Island of New Zealand; it is said to have differed from the nominate race by its more rufous feathers.
The species was already rare in the 19th century after having been widespread in earlier times.
The owl was last seen in 1989.
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Depiction from: ‘Walter Lawry Buller: Supplement to the ‘Birds of New Zealand’ Vol. 2. London: the author 1905’
(public domain)
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edited: 05.11.2021