Rufous Owl

Identificazione

The rufous owl is a large bird, often growing to 46–57 cm (18–22 in) in length, with a wingspan of 100 to 120 cm (39 to 47 in). Females typically weigh 700–1,050 g (25–37 oz), while the males typically weigh 1,050–1,300 g (37–46 oz). Both sexes have relatively small heads compared to their body and tail, but the head of the male is flatter and broader than that of the female. Juveniles are much smaller, usually 49–54 mm (1.9–2.1 in) long at birth, and are covered in downy white pelage. The forehead, neck, back, and upper wings of the adults are usually a dark reddish-brown with light brown barring scattered throughout. The face is dark brown, and the neck, breast and underparts are rufous with thin cream bars. The underside of the wings are light brown with thick cream bars. The hooked bill is light grey and is surrounded by black bristles at its base. It has golden-yellow eyes.

Tassonomia

Genere: Ninox; famiglia: Strigidae; ordine: Strigiformes.

Nome scientifico

Ninox rufa

Autorità

(Gould, 1846)

Ordine

Strigiformi

Famiglia

Strigidae

Genere

Ninox

Areale e habitat

The rufous owl has a wide geographic range. It is native to the Aru Islands, New Guinea and northern Australia, where it is found in Arnhem Land, the northern Kimberleys, the eastern Cape York Peninsula, and the Mackay Region of eastern Queensland. It is the only exclusively tropical owl in Australia. The global population size of Ninox rufa has yet to be determined, but the species is considered uncommon to rare.<p>The owl inhabits terrestrial ecosystems. It is mainly found in rainforests and the margins of rainforests. Additional habitats may include other forests, moist savannas, and inland wetlands.

Migrazione

Specie stanziale

Comportamento

Comportamento migratorio: Specie stanziale.

Conservazione

Tendenza della popolazione: in diminuzione.

Tendenza della popolazione

in diminuzione