Australian Masked Owl
NameAustralian Masked Owl
Common NameAustralian Masked Owl
Scientific NameTyto novaehollandiae
FamilyTytonidae
Wingspan (cm)110
Length (cm)50
Weight (g)850
Plumage DetailsThe facial disc is pale buff to white, often outlined by a dark brown rim, surrounding dark brown eyes. Upperparts are dark brown to rufous, heavily mottled with grey and white spots, while the underparts are white to pale buff, variably spotted with dark brown.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a variety of harsh, hissing screeches, guttural growls, and drawn-out wails, particularly during breeding season.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across mainland Australia, Tasmania, and southern New Guinea, inhabiting various forested and woodland environments.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, Dark eyes, Prominent heart-shaped facial disc, Mottled dark brown upperparts, Spotted pale underparts
Description
The Australian Masked Owl is a large, powerful nocturnal owl characterized by its prominent heart-shaped facial disc and dark eyes. It is a formidable predator, primarily hunting small to medium-sized mammals and birds in its forested habitats.
