Hootz

Hootzes are owl-like members of Snowmads and common enemies who appear in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and its Nintendo Switch port. They act similarly to the Tiki Buzzes from Donkey Kong Country Returns.

Hootzes do not actively attack the Kongs, only flying around in a set area. As with other enemies, if the Kongs come into contact with a Hootz, they lose a heart point. Hootz paths of movement include straight and circular lines and might appear in groups of two or more. Hootzes can be defeated with any attack, the safest being a stomp or barrel throw. If the Kongs bounce on them, they can receive an additional height boost, aside from defeating them.

Although they are present in most levels of the game, Autumn Heights is the island that seems to be themed after and dedicated to various species of Hootz. This is judged by their prominence and the numerous owl statues and constructions found there. In Bopopolis, arrangements of Hootz are used to bounce over bottomless pits. There are enemies related to Hootzes, which include Pufftons and Blue Hootzes. Their leader, Skowl, resides in the summit of Autumn Heights. The Hootzes in the Shel battle are a unique color of light gray, matching that of Skowl's. Additionally, the hatched Hootzes wear eggshells on their heads, and some of them wear horned helmets.