Hootz

Hootz are common enemies appearing in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. They are members of the Snowmad organization that take the appearance of owls with brown coloration, donning a collar on their stomach with the Snowmad insignia on it. They function similarly to the Tiki Buzzes from Donkey Kong Country Returns/3D.

Hootz do not actively attack the Kongs, only flying around in a set area. However, a mere bump with their lateral or bottom sides causes the Kongs to lose one heart point. Their paths of movement include straight and circular lines and might appear in groups of two or more. Hootz can be defeated with any attack, the safest being a stomp or barrel throw.

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. Enemies related to Hootz include Pufftons and Blue Hootz, and their leader, Skowl, resides near the summit of Autumn Heights.