Australasian Grass-Owl
NameAustralasian Grass-Owl
Common NameAustralasian Grass-Owl
Scientific NameTyto longimembris
FamilyTytonidae
Wingspan (cm)108
Length (cm)36
Weight (g)400
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dark brown to rufous-brown, heavily spotted and streaked with buff and white. The underparts are pale buff to whitish, often with sparse dark spots. It has a pale buff or whitish heart-shaped facial disc bordered by a darker rufous-brown rim, and dark eyes.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a variety of hisses, screeches, and raspy calls, often described as less harsh than other barn owls. It can also produce a wavering whistle.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across parts of Southeast Asia, New Guinea, Australia (eastern and northern regions), and some Pacific islands. Its range extends from India and China south through Indonesia and New Guinea.
Identifying FeaturesHeart-shaped facial disc, Long legs, Dark eyes, Dark brown mottled upperparts, Pale underparts, Nocturnal hunting behavior over grasslands
Description
The Australasian Grass-Owl is a medium-sized, nocturnal owl characterized by its distinctive heart-shaped facial disc and long legs. It primarily hunts small mammals and large insects in tall grasslands and swamps, often flying low over the vegetation.
