It was previously known as a subspecies of the Philippine hawk-owl, but was reclassified in 2012, as voice and other evidence suggested it a distinct species.

[3] Its native name is kugkug EBird describes the bird as "A rare medium-sized owl of remnant broadleaf forest on Camiguin Island.

[5] This species ecology has yet to be properly studied but it is pressumed to have a typical boobook diet of insects, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and possibly even birds.

[6] Its habitat is in tropical moist lowland primary and secondary forests up to 700 meters above sea level.

[5] The IUCN Red List classifies this bird as vulnerable with population estimates of 250 to 999 mature individuals.