On Infinity, the last of every extinct species lives happily and free.
When creating the Infinity audiobook stories, we researched many remarkable creatures. One we were especially drawn to was the wonderfully named laughing owl. Although it didn’t appear in the story, we’re thrilled to spotlight it here.
If you’d like to sample our first story – free – it’s available HERE.
In the dense, mysterious forests of New Zealand, a rare and enigmatic bird once roamed: the laughing owl, also called Sceloglaux albifacies or the “Rock Owl.” This striking owl had a haunting, maniacal call that sounded like human laughter. It filled the nighttime air with an otherworldly presence—an eerie, almost mystical sound that broke the forest’s silence.
Mysterious Calls of the Laughing Owl
The laughing owl’s calls were strange and varied. Some described them as crazed laughter, while others heard doleful shrieks or dog-like barks. Its call often echoed on rainy nights, giving the owl a place in local lore. But by the early 1900s, this haunting laughter ceased. The laughing owl had vanished from New Zealand’s forests, a victim of human settlement and new predators.
Physical Characteristics and Habitat
The laughing owl’s appearance was just as unique. With reddish-brown feathers marked by dark bands, it was larger than New Zealand’s morepork owl. It stood 14–15 inches tall, with wings about 10 inches wide. It wasn’t a strong flyer and often stayed on the ground, nesting in the forest floor or limestone cliffs. As an unusual member of New Zealand’s ecosystem, the laughing owl played an important role in maintaining its natural balance.
A Shift in Diet and Habitat Disruption
Before people arrived, the laughing owl ate invertebrates, birds, and small mammals. But when Polynesian settlers brought Pacific rats, these new animals outcompeted the owl’s food sources. Forced to adapt, the owl began preying on rats. But its ground-nesting made its eggs and chicks vulnerable. In the 1800s, European settlers introduced weasels, stoats, and ferrets to control rabbits. Sadly, these predators also targeted the owl’s nests. By 1914, the laughing owl was officially declared extinct.
Imagining the Laughing Owl on the Island of Infinity
In the world of Rockford’s Rock Opera, we imagine the laughing owl as one of the welcoming creatures on the Island of Infinity. Here, the owl is safe, its eerie yet joyful calls echoing freely through the skies and forests. On Infinity, the laughing owl lives in a vibrant ecosystem of lost creatures, reminding us of the balance between nature and human activity.
Our stories aim to inspire listeners to think about conservation and the importance of protecting our planet’s unique species. On the Island of Infinity, the laughing owl would join a chorus of lost animals, adding its unforgettable call as a tribute to New Zealand’s wild past.
Resources for Teachers and Families:
For even more exploration of the natural world, and news about species, tune in to our Stories, Science & Secrets podcast for kids. Join Matthew, Elaine, Steve Punt and special guests, as we delve into the fascinating world of biomimicry and the inspiring ways science learns from nature’s genius.
Download our FREE lesson plans and slides about Extinction and Biomimicry. We also have a selection of classroom activities on our website.