Australasian Grass-Owl

Tyto longimembris

Reclusive and rarely seen owl of cane fields, meadows, and other areas with tall grassy cover. Tan-brown overall with black, white, and orange mottling on the wings. Flies low over grassy areas, primarily during dawn and dusk, often with long legs dangling. Heart-shaped facial disk, very similar to Barn Owl and Masked Owls. Nests in dense fields; fluffy owlets often exposed during harvesting season in agricultural areas.

Identification

The eastern grass owl is a medium-sized owl, similar in size to the barn owl. Adult males measure from 32 to 38 cm (13 to 15 in) in length, while the larger females can measure from 35 to 42 cm (14 to 17 in). The wingspan is from 100 to 116 cm (39 to 46 in). The female weighs 460 g (16 oz) while the male weighs 400 g (14 oz). They have dark brown or tan upper parts with pale spots. They have black and tan bars on its wings and a very pale beak, feathered legs, and dark brown eyes. Like all Tyto owls, it has a heart-shaped facial disk with brown buff and a white bordering.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Tyto longimembris
Authority
(Jerdon, 1839)
Order
Strigiformes
Family
Tytonidae
Genus
Tyto

Range and habitat

Eastern grass owls live in eastern, southern and southeast Asia, parts of New Guinea, the Philippines, Australia (mainly in Queensland) and the western Pacific. This owl prefers tall grasslands and swamps. Roost areas consist of flattened vegetation within systems of "tunnels" through the swamp vegetation. Nesting is in similar situations.

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Eastern grass owls are considered "least concern" globally, primarily because of their wide distribution. Within Australia, Tyto longimembris is considered vulnerable on the New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995).

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

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