Australian grass-owl

This shy, nocturnal predator spends its life in open areas of grassland and cane fields but is rarely seen

This owl roosts and nests on the ground, completely hidden amongst tall grass, which stands well above the owl’s head. The grass owl lays her eggs on a small patch of trampled grass. She keeps her nest and new brood secret by creating several pathways to serve as covert access points.

The eastern grass owl hunts while flying close to the ground, using her long legs to reach down into the grass. She preys on rodents that are invisible from above, so the hunt’s success depends on the owl’s phenomenal hearing and the accuracy of its grasp.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Australia
2016
Breeding
Bangladesh
0
Official estimate
EX
2016
Extinct locally
China
2016
Breeding
Fiji
0
Official estimate
EX
2016
Extinct locally
Hong Kong
2016
Non-Breeding
India
2016
Breeding
Indonesia
2016
Breeding
Japan
2016
Non-Breeding
Myanmar
2016
Breeding
Nepal
2016
Breeding
New Caledonia
2016
Breeding
Papua New Guinea
2016
Breeding
Philippines
2016
Breeding
Taiwan
2016
Breeding
Thailand
2016
Vietnam
2016
Breeding

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No