Guide to Australian Raptors
Australian raptors, powerful birds of prey, encompass a diverse range of species across the continent. These magnificent hunters include the wedge-tailed eagle, Australia’s largest aerial predator, which dominates open landscapes with its impressive wingspan. In contrast, the agile brown goshawk navigates dense forests with remarkable precision.
Nocturnal hunters like the barn owl complement their diurnal counterparts, utilizing acute senses to capture prey under the cover of darkness. These avian predators play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling populations of rodents and small mammals throughout their varied habitats.
Birds of Prey
Australia is home to 36 species of raptors, also known as birds of prey. These include 18 species from the Accipitridae family, such as Kites, Harriers, Goshawks, Eagles, the Buzzard, and the Pacific Baza. Additionally, there are 7 species from the Falconidae family, which includes Falcons and the Kestrel. The country is also home to 11 species of owls. Among these, 5 belong to the Tytonidae family, including Masked Owls, the Grass Owl, and the Barn Owl. The remaining 6 species are part of the Strigidae family, commonly known as “true owls,” and in Australia, they are represented by the Hawk-owls from the genus Ninox. This diverse group of raptors showcases the rich avian biodiversity found across the Australian continent.
Wedge-tailed Eagle Guide – Australia’s Largest Bird of Prey
Our Birds of Prey
Birds of prey, also known as raptors, are a group of powerful and agile avian predators. These birds, with their keen senses, sharp talons, and hooked beaks, play a vital role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems across the globe. Australia, with its diverse landscapes and unique wildlife, is home to an impressive birds of prey that showcase the remarkable adaptations and hunting prowess of these aerial hunters.
Overview of the Different Families of Birds of Prey Found in Australia
Australia’s raptors range from the diminutive Collared Sparrowhawk to the impressive Wedge-tailed Eagle, which has the biggest wingspan among eagles. The Wedge-tailed Eagle is ubiquitous across the continent and adds a powerful presence to Australia’s skies as it soars at lofty altitudes.
In Tasmania and Maria Island, a distinct subspecies of the Wedge-tailed Eagle has evolved, larger than its mainland counterparts, yet with only about 200 breeding pairs remaining.
In the Southern Highlands, the varied landscape of woodlands, farmlands, and undulating hills provides an ideal habitat for the Wedge-tailed Eagle, Brown Goshawk, and Whistling Kite. These raptors are often observed gliding over the expansive terrain, hunting for small mammals and birds.
Australia’s extensive coastlines, bays, and inlets serve as a haven for two striking maritime raptors: the White-bellied Sea Eagle and the Eastern Osprey. The sight of a White-bellied Sea Eagle swooping down to snatch its prey from the water is truly captivating, with frequent sightings along the coasts of East Gippsland, Eyre Peninsula, Bremer Bay, Kangaroo Island, Kakadu, Maria Island, and Far North Queensland. In Hervey Bay, the coastal wetlands and mangroves are prime hunting grounds for the Brahminy Kite, Eastern Osprey, and White-bellied Sea Eagle, where these birds are often seen soaring over tranquil waters or perched in nearby trees. The rugged cliffs and limestone formations of the Eyre Peninsula and Kangaroo Island offer perfect vantage points to observe the large nests of the Eastern Osprey, which breeds from May to September. The Brahminy Kite, with its striking chestnut back and white breast, is another notable coastal raptor, found along the northern coast of Australia, including Kakadu, Arnhem Land, and Far North Queensland.
Among the coastal avian residents, the Black-shouldered Kite is notable for its rapid wingbeats as it searches for prey. The Swamp Harrier, another common inhabitant of southern and eastern coastal regions across South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, and Queensland, lays its eggs on the ground amidst rushes from September to January.
The endemic Black-breasted Buzzard, or Kite, is one of the few birds globally known to use tools, adeptly breaking large eggs by dropping stones. This species thrives in the savannah woodlands of Far North Queensland, Kakadu, and Arnhem Land. The Brown Goshawk, Brown Falcon, Whistling Kite, Australian Hobby, and Nankeen Kestrel are also prevalent in Kakadu, Arnhem Land, and the arid Mungo National Park.
Adding a tropical flair to Australia’s raptor population is the Christmas Island Hawk-Owl, unique to Christmas Island. This small, nocturnal bird of prey is often heard before it is seen, its distinctive calls resonating through the island’s lush rainforests. The island’s coastline also attracts migratory seabirds, which in turn draw raptors like the Peregrine Falcon.
Accipitridae Family
The Accipitridae family includes a variety of raptors such as kites, harriers, goshawks, eagles, and buzzards. These birds are known for their keen eyesight, powerful talons, and hooked beaks, which they use to hunt and consume their prey. Notable members of this family found in Australia include:
- Wedge-tailed Eagle: The largest bird of prey in Australia, recognized by its long, wedge-shaped tail and broad wings.
- Pacific Baza: A distinctive bird with a prominent crest and striking plumage.
- Brown Goshawk: A medium-sized raptor known for its agility and hunting prowess in dense forests.
Falconidae Family
The Falconidae family is composed of falcons and kestrels, known for their incredible speed and precision during flight. These birds have long, pointed wings and strong, hooked beaks. Key members in Australia include:
- Australian Kestrel: A small, agile raptor often seen hovering while hunting for insects and small mammals.
- Peregrine Falcon: Renowned for its diving speed, making it one of the fastest birds in the world.
Tytonidae Family
The Tytonidae family, also known as barn owls, includes species that are primarily nocturnal and known for their distinctive heart-shaped faces. In Australia, this family comprises:
- Barn Owl: Recognizable by its white face and underparts, and known for its eerie, screeching call.
- Masked Owl: A larger owl with a darker facial disc and robust build.
Strigidae Family
The Strigidae family, often referred to as “true owls,” includes a variety of nocturnal hunters with rounded faces and large eyes. In Australia, all “true owls” belong to the genus Ninox, commonly known as Hawk-Owls. Key species include:
- Barking Owl: Known for its dog-like barking call and robust appearance.
- Powerful Owl: The largest owl in Australia, capable of preying on possums and other sizable mammals.
These families represent the incredible variety of raptors found across Australia, each adapted to their unique habitats and ecological niches. Understanding the differences among these families enhances our appreciation of these magnificent birds and underscores the importance of their conservation.
What Are Raptors?
Characteristics of Raptors
Raptors are a diverse group of carnivorous birds that are distinguished by their hunting skills and physical adaptations for capturing and consuming prey. These adaptations include:
- Raptors possess highly developed vision, allowing them to spot prey from great distances. Their eyes are large relative to their head size, providing a wide field of view and acute focus.
- Equipped with sharp, curved claws, raptors use their talons to grasp and kill prey. The strength and precision of their talons are essential for capturing a variety of animals, from small insects to larger mammals.
- Their strong, hooked beaks are designed for tearing flesh. Unlike other birds, raptors have a sharp edge on their beaks, which helps them cut through tough hides and muscles.
- Raptors have robust chest muscles that enable powerful and sustained flight. This allows them to soar for long periods, hover, or execute rapid dives to catch prey.
Differences Between Raptors and Other Bird Species
Unlike many other birds that feed on seeds, fruits, or nectar, raptors primarily hunt live prey. They use a combination of stealth, speed, and power to capture animals, which can include mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects.
While many birds have some form of claws and beaks, raptors’ talons and beaks are uniquely adapted for hunting and consuming meat. Their talons are stronger and more curved, and their beaks have a distinctive hook that is absent in most other birds.
Raptors are carnivorous, whereas other birds may have varied diets that include plant materials, insects, or fish. The diet of raptors requires them to have specialized digestive systems to process meat efficiently.
Raptors often exhibit flight patterns that are specifically adapted to hunting. For example, falcons are known for their high-speed dives, while hawks and eagles soar at great altitudes, using thermal currents to stay aloft with minimal effort.
Raptors are typically solitary or found in pairs, especially when hunting. In contrast, many other birds may be social, living in flocks or colonies. Raptors also have highly developed territorial behaviors, often defending large hunting grounds.
9. Grey Goshawk (Accipiter novaehollandiae)
The Grey Goshawk, found in northern, eastern, and southern Australia, as well as Tasmania, has two colour morphs: grey and white. It hunts small birds and large insects such as grasshoppers and cicadas in heavily timbered coastal and inland forests.
Nests are large stick structures lined with leaves, placed high in the top branches of trees. Eggs are pale bluish-white, sometimes marked with brown, and are laid between August and December.
10. Brown Goshawk (Accipiter fasciatus)
This species, often called the Chicken-hawk, is found throughout Australia, Tasmania, and nearby islands. A stealthy hunter, it preys on birds and their young, striking fear into smaller bird species. The female is considerably larger than the male.
Its nest is a small flat structure of sticks lined with leaves, placed high in trees in coastal regions or lower in interior areas. Eggs are bluish-white with reddish-brown markings, laid between September and January.
11. Red Goshawk (Erythrotriorchis radiatus)
A rare raptor found in northern and eastern Australia, the Red Goshawk frequents the edges of swamps and timber belts bordering open country. It preys on birds, small mammals, and reptiles.
Its nest is a large structure of sticks lined with leaves, placed high in tall trees. Eggs are bluish-white, occasionally smeared with pale brown or lavender, and are laid between August and November.
12. Spotted Harrier (Circus assimilis)
Also known as the Spotted Swamp-hawk, this species is widely distributed in Australia. It patrols open plains, swamps, and farmlands, preying on birds, reptiles, and small mammals.
Nests are made of sticks and lined with leaves, usually placed on the ground in dense vegetation. Eggs are bluish-white with faint markings and are laid between September and January.
13. Swamp Harrier (Circus approximans)
The Swamp Harrier, also known as the Allied Harrier, is common in wetlands, reed beds, and farmlands across Australia, New Zealand, and nearby islands. It is bold and often observed flying low over reeds and crops, preying on waterfowl and small mammals.
Its nest is a bulky platform of sticks, reeds, and grasses, placed on the ground in rushes or standing crops. Eggs are bluish-white and unmarked, laid between September and January.
Diurnal Birds of Prey in Australia
1. Nankeen Kestrel (Falco cenchroides)
The Nankeen Kestrel, also known as the Windhover or Sparrow-hawk, is found across Australia, Tasmania, and occasionally in New Zealand. It is commonly observed hovering over fields, grasslands, and crops, darting down to capture prey. This small falcon plays a vital role in controlling pests such as grasshoppers, crickets, small rodents, and reptiles.
Nests are usually located in tree hollows, rock crevices, or abandoned nests of crows or ravens. The eggs are buff-coloured with reddish-brown markings and are laid between August and December.
2. Collared Sparrowhawk (Accipiter cirrocephalus)
The Collared Sparrowhawk is distributed throughout Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea. Known for its speed and agility, it preys almost exclusively on small birds, chasing them through timbered areas with remarkable precision. The female is significantly larger than the male.
Nests are made of thin sticks, lined with leaves, and placed in tall trees. Eggs are bluish-white with reddish blotches, laid between September and December.
3. Australian Hobby (Falco longipennis)
Also called the Little Falcon or Duck-hawk, the Australian Hobby is known for its strength and agility in proportion to its size. It often hunts small birds in flight and occasionally feeds on large insects. This species is common in open areas, lightly wooded regions, and mountain ranges.
Its nests are loosely constructed with sticks and twigs, usually placed in tall trees or adapted from abandoned nests. Eggs are pale pinkish with reddish-brown markings and are laid from September to December.
4. Grey Falcon (Falco hypoleucos)
The Grey Falcon, a rare species native to inland Australia, is often seen in pairs or alone. It preys on small birds, reptiles, and mammals, although it is slower in flight and less bold than other falcons.
Nests are large, loosely built with sticks, and lined with soft bark or wool, often located in the upper branches of tall trees. Eggs are buff-coloured with rusty-red blotches, laid between July and October.
5. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
The Peregrine Falcon, known for its unparalleled speed and power, is found across Australia, Tasmania, and worldwide. It hunts ducks, parrots, and other birds by striking them mid-flight with a devastating blow from its talons. This species prefers rugged mountainous areas but is also found in coastal and inland regions.
Nests are often located on rocky cliffs or in hollow tree limbs. Eggs are buff with reddish-brown markings and are laid between August and November.
6. Black Falcon (Falco subniger)
The Black Falcon, native to inland Australia, is known for its swift, sustained flight. It preys on quails and other larger birds in open areas, often following their movements.
Its nests are stick platforms, frequently repurposed from abandoned crow or hawk nests. Eggs are buff with reddish-brown speckling and are laid from September to December.
7. Brown Falcon (Falco berigora)
The Brown Falcon, widely distributed across Australia and Tasmania, is often seen perched on fences, stumps, or trees near farms. It hunts rodents, small birds, reptiles, and large insects such as grasshoppers.
Nests are made of sticks and lined with leaves, usually in tree forks or adapted from other birds’ nests. Eggs are whitish with reddish-brown markings and are laid between June and November.
8. Letter-winged Kite (Elanus scriptus)
This nocturnal kite, native to inland Australia, is best known for its striking black markings on its wings. It feeds primarily on native rats during irruptions and occasionally on small mammals and reptiles.
Its nest is made of fine sticks and lined with leaves or fur. Eggs are bluish-white with dense reddish blotches, often concentrated at the larger end, and are laid from August to November.
Identifying Birds of Prey
Key Features to Look For
Identifying birds of prey involves observing several distinctive features that set them apart from other birds. Here are the key characteristics to look for:
Size
Raptors vary greatly in size, from the small Australian Kestrel to the large Wedge-tailed Eagle. Generally, birds of prey have robust and muscular builds that aid in hunting.
Plumage
Raptors often have camouflage plumage that helps them blend into their environments. Common colors include shades of brown, gray, black, and white, with patterns such as speckles, stripes, or bands.
Juvenile raptors might have different plumage compared to adults, usually less vivid and more streaked or spotted.
Beak Shape
Raptors have strong, hooked beaks designed for tearing flesh. The upper mandible is usually curved and ends in a sharp point.
The size and curvature of the beak can vary among species and are often adapted to their specific diet.
Talons
Raptors possess powerful talons with sharp, curved claws that are essential for grasping and killing prey. The size and strength of talons are significant indicators of a raptor’s hunting capabilities.
The arrangement of toes can also be a clue; for example, owls have zygodactyl feet (two toes pointing forward and two backward), aiding in grasping.
Eyesight
Although not always visible from a distance, raptors have exceptionally keen eyesight. Their eyes are large relative to their head size, providing excellent vision for spotting prey from afar.
Flight Patterns
Observing flight behavior can help identify raptors. Eagles and hawks typically soar high with broad wings, while falcons exhibit fast, agile flight patterns. Harriers are known for their low, gliding flight over open fields.
Tips for Spotting and Identifying Raptors in the Wild
Identifying raptors in their natural habitats can be a thrilling experience. Here are some tips to enhance your birdwatching skills:
Use Binoculars
- A good pair of binoculars is essential for spotting and observing raptors from a distance. High magnification helps in distinguishing fine details of plumage and behavior.
Look for Perching Spots
- Raptors often perch on high vantage points such as tree branches, utility poles, and fence posts to survey their territory. Scanning these areas can increase your chances of spotting them.
Observe Flight Patterns
- Pay attention to the way raptors fly. Soaring, hovering, and rapid diving are behaviors characteristic of different species. Flight patterns can be a quick way to narrow down the type of raptor you are observing.
Listen for Calls
- Many raptors have distinctive calls. Familiarizing yourself with their sounds can help you identify them even if they are out of sight. Recordings of raptor calls are available in many birdwatching apps and guides.
Visit Diverse Habitats
- Different raptors prefer different habitats. Visit open fields, wetlands, forests, and coastal areas to see a variety of species. Early morning and late afternoon are often the best times for birdwatching.
Use Field Guides and Apps
- Carry a field guide or use a birdwatching app to help identify species based on key features. These resources often provide useful information on plumage, behavior, and habitats.
Join Birdwatching Groups
- Joining local birdwatching groups or online communities can provide valuable tips and locations for spotting raptors. Experienced birdwatchers can also offer insights and share their knowledge.
7. Whistling Kite – Haliastur sphenurus
The Whistling Kite is widespread across Australia, New Guinea, and New Caledonia. Known for its graceful flight and clear whistling call, it feeds on small mammals, lizards, insects, and carrion.
Its nest is built from sticks and lined with leaves, often placed in tall trees. Eggs are pale with reddish markings and are laid between July and December.
8. Little Eagle – Hieraaetus morphnoides
The Little Eagle is common across most of Australia and is often seen flying over open woodlands and grasslands. It feeds on rabbits, reptiles, carrion, and small birds and is known for its plaintive whistling call.
Its nest is a large structure made from sticks, placed in tall trees. Eggs are bluish-white with faint reddish-brown spots and are laid between August and November.
9. Wedge-tailed Eagle – Aquila audax
The Wedge-tailed Eagle, Australia’s largest bird of prey, soars over plains and forests, often reaching great heights. It preys on rabbits, wallabies, and carrion, although it is sometimes falsely accused of killing livestock.
Its nest is a massive stick platform reused for many years and placed in tall, isolated trees. Eggs are white with lavender spots, laid from July to October.
10. White-bellied Sea Eagle – Haliaeetus leucogaster
This iconic eagle is common along Australia’s coastlines and waterways. It scavenges fish, sea snakes, and birds from the water’s surface, often seen gliding gracefully over rivers, lakes, and estuaries.
Its nest is a large structure made of sticks, reused over several years, and placed in tall trees or rocky cliffs. Eggs are white and slightly glossy, laid between June and October.
Diurnal Birds of Prey in Australia
1. Crested Hawk (Pacific Baza) – Aviceda subcristata
The Crested Hawk, also known as the Pacific Baza, is found in northern and eastern Australia. This species often lives along the edges of scrub and timber belts near rivers and plains. It feeds mainly on insects and larvae and occasionally scavenges small animals. In flight, it has a distinctive tumbling motion and a unique whistling call.
Its nest is constructed from sticks and twigs, lined with leaves, and placed on upright branches. Eggs are bluish-white and laid between October and December.
2. Black-breasted Buzzard – Hamirostra melanosternon
The Black-breasted Buzzard, native to northern and western Australia, is renowned for its intelligence and strength. It uses stones to break emu eggs and hunts small mammals, reptiles, and birds.
Its nest is a flat platform of sticks, placed in tree forks or rocky ledges. Eggs are buff-coloured with blotches of reddish-purple and lavender, laid between September and December.
3. Osprey – Pandion haliaetus
The Osprey, also called the Fish-hawk, is widespread across Australia, Tasmania, and globally. It specialises in catching fish by diving from great heights and is commonly seen along rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.
Nests are large, bulky, and made of sticks, often lined with seaweed. These are placed on trees, rocks, or other high vantage points near water. Eggs are buff with reddish-purple markings and are laid between May and September.
4. Fork-tailed Kite (Black Kite) – Milvus migrans
The Fork-tailed Kite, commonly called the Black Kite, is one of the most widespread birds of prey in Australia. It scavenges for food, such as offal, small mammals, and insects, and is often seen circling in flocks over campsites or towns.
Its nest is small and compact, made from sticks and lined with leaves or fur, often placed in tree forks. Eggs are white with reddish-brown streaks and blotches, laid between September and January in the south and May to July in the north.
5. Square-tailed Kite – Lophoictinia isura
The Square-tailed Kite is found throughout Australia, though it is uncommon in the south. It prefers areas near smaller watercourses and often preys on young birds taken from nests.
Its nest is a large structure of sticks lined with leaves, placed in trees at varying heights. Eggs are buff with reddish-brown and lavender spots, laid from August to November.
6. Brahminy Kite (Red-backed Sea Eagle) – Haliastur indus
The Brahminy Kite, known for its chestnut body and white head, is common in northern and eastern Australia. It hunts fish, crabs, and sea snakes and is often seen near estuaries and mangroves.
Nests are large and constructed with twigs and grass, sometimes decorated with bleached seaweed, and are placed in tall mangroves or trees on islands. Eggs are bluish-white with sparse markings, laid between August and October in the east and April to September in the north.
Habitat and Behavior
Habitat and Behavior of Australian Raptors
Typical Habitats of Australian Raptors
Australian raptors are incredibly diverse and can be found in a variety of habitats across the continent.
Open Woodlands
- Many raptors, such as the Brown Falcon and the Wedge-tailed Eagle, thrive in open woodland areas where they can easily spot and hunt prey.
Grasslands and Savannas
- Species like the Black-shouldered Kite prefer the open spaces of grasslands and savannas, where they hunt for small mammals and insects.
Coastal Regions and Wetlands
- Raptors like the White-bellied Sea Eagle are commonly found in coastal areas and wetlands, hunting for fish and waterfowl.
Forests
- Dense forests are home to species such as the Grey Goshawk and various species of owls. These raptors rely on the cover of trees to ambush prey.
Urban Areas
- Some raptors, including the Australian Kestrel and the Peregrine Falcon, have adapted to urban environments, using tall buildings as perches and hunting grounds.
Deserts and Arid Zones
- Raptors such as the Spotted Harrier are adapted to the harsh conditions of deserts and arid zones, hunting for small mammals and birds that inhabit these areas.
Hunting Techniques and Dietary Preferences
Australian raptors employ a variety of hunting techniques and have diverse dietary preferences, tailored to their specific environments and physical adaptations:
Soaring and Spotting
- Large raptors like the Wedge-tailed Eagle soar high in the sky, using their keen eyesight to spot prey from great distances before diving to capture it.
Hovering
- The Australian Kestrel is known for its ability to hover in place while scanning the ground for small mammals and insects.
Low Gliding
- Harriers, such as the Spotted Harrier, glide low over grasslands and wetlands, surprising prey with a sudden pounce.
Ambush Hunting
- Forest-dwelling raptors like the Grey Goshawk use stealth and the cover of dense foliage to ambush unsuspecting prey.
Aerial Pursuit
- The Peregrine Falcon is renowned for its high-speed dives, reaching speeds of over 300 km/h (186 mph) to capture birds in mid-air.
Dietary Preferences
- The diet of Australian raptors is varied and includes mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, insects, and carrion. For example, the White-bellied Sea Eagle primarily feeds on fish, while the Brown Goshawk preys on birds and small mammals.
Breeding and Nesting Behaviors
Raptors exhibit diverse breeding and nesting behaviors, often tailored to their habitats and physical capabilities:
Nesting Sites
- Raptors choose nesting sites that offer safety and strategic advantages. Eagles and larger raptors typically build large nests, known as eyries, high in trees or on cliff ledges. Smaller raptors may nest in tree hollows, dense foliage, or on man-made structures.
Breeding Season
- The breeding season for most Australian raptors occurs during the warmer months, from spring to summer. This timing ensures that chicks have access to abundant food resources.
Nesting Materials
- Nests are constructed from a variety of materials, including sticks, leaves, and grass. Raptors often reuse and refurbish nests from previous years.
Incubation and Fledging
- Female raptors typically lay between one and four eggs, which they incubate for a period ranging from 30 to 50 days, depending on the species. Both parents often participate in feeding and caring for the chicks. Fledging, or the process of chicks learning to fly, occurs several weeks to months after hatching.
Territoriality
- Raptors are highly territorial during the breeding season, aggressively defending their nesting sites from intruders. This behavior ensures the safety of their eggs and chicks.
Their diverse adaptations and behaviors highlight the intricate balance of Australia’s ecosystems and the importance of preserving their natural habitats.
11. Papuan Frogmouth (Podargus papuensis)
This species, found in northern Queensland, New Guinea, and the Aru Islands, rests upright during the day. Its distinctive call is a “Hoo-hoo-hoo” laugh, and it feeds on beetles and other insects.
It nests on a compact twig platform in a tree fork, up to 50 feet high. Eggs are white and rounded. The breeding season runs from September to February.
12. Boobook Owl (Ninox boobook)
The Boobook Owl, also called Mopoke, is Australia’s most common owl. It roosts in tree hollows during the day and hunts rodents, insects, and small birds at night. Its familiar call sounds like “Moo-book.”
It nests in tree hollows. Eggs are two or three, white and rounded. The breeding season is from September to December or January.
13. Spotted Owl (Ninox novaeseelandiae)
Found in southeastern Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand, the Spotted Owl resembles the Boobook Owl but has a softer call. It frequents thick scrubs.
It nests in tree hollows. Eggs are two or three, white and rounded. The breeding season occurs from October to January.
14. Red Boobook Owl (Ninox lurida)
This species inhabits northeastern Queensland. During the day, it roosts in dense scrub and hunts insects and rodents at night. Its call is a repeated “Mopoke.”
15. Northern Boobook Owl (Ninox ocellata)
This owl is found in northwestern Australia, northern Queensland, and New Guinea. It prefers open forests and watercourses, hunting rodents and insects at night.
It nests in tree hollows. Eggs are two or three, white and rounded. The breeding season spans from September to January.
16. Winking Owl (Ninox connivens)
The Winking Owl is widespread in Australia and New Guinea. It roosts in tree hollows or dense foliage during the day and is active at night, hunting insects, birds, and mammals. Its calls range from “Ho-wuk-wuk” to “Karr-karr-karr.”
It nests in tree hollows or, occasionally, rabbit burrows. Eggs are two or three, white and rounded. The breeding season spans from August to October.
17. Rufous Owl (Ninox rufa)
The Rufous Owl lives in northern Australia and New Guinea. It roosts in big scrub habitats during the day and hunts mammals and insects at night. Its call is a soft “Hoo-hoooo.”
It nests in tree hollows. Eggs are two or three, white and rounded. The breeding season begins in July.
18. Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua)
The Powerful Owl, Australia’s largest owl, is found in eastern Australia. It roosts in tree hollows during the day and hunts birds and mammals at night. Its eerie scream is unforgettable.
It nests in tree hollows in dense scrub. Eggs are two or three, white and rounded. The breeding season is recorded in November.
Nocturnal Birds of Prey
1. Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
The Barn Owl, also called the Delicate Owl or Screech Owl, is found throughout Australia, Tasmania, and worldwide. It roosts during the day in tree hollows, wool sheds, lofts, stables, or thick foliage. Its call is a loud screech, and its diet includes rats, mice, bats, small birds, and beetles.
It nests in a hollow limb or tree hole. Eggs number three to seven, dull white and oval in shape. The breeding season lasts from August to December.
2. Sooty Owl (Tyto tenebricosa)
The Sooty Owl is found in northern Queensland, eastern New South Wales, eastern Victoria, the Bass Strait islands, and New Guinea. Little is recorded about its habits.
It nests in a hollow tree. Eggs number three, white and rounded. The breeding season occurs between October and December.
3. Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae)
The Masked Owl is found across Australia. During the day, it roosts in tree hollows or thick foliage and occasionally near homesteads. At night, its screeching is often heard. It feeds on rodents, small mammals, and rabbits.
It nests in a large hollow tree or cliff cavity. Eggs are likely two and pearly-white. December is the only recorded breeding month.
4. Cave Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae troughtoni)
This subspecies of the Masked Owl lives on the Nullarbor Plain. Smaller and lighter than the typical Masked Owl, it roosts and nests in underground caves or blowholes. Its diet includes small lizards, mammals, and rodents.
It nests in a cave or blowhole.
5. Tasmanian Masked Owl (Tyto castanops)
Also called the Chestnut-faced Owl, this species inhabits Tasmanian forests with scattered trees near open country. Its habits are similar to the Masked Owl, with females larger and darker than males.
It nests in a hollow tree or cliff cavity.
6. Grass Owl (Tyto longimembris)
The Grass Owl is found in grasslands of the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. It rests during the day in tussocks of grass and feeds on rodents and insects.
It nests beneath or within a grass tussock. Eggs range from four to seven, white and oval. The breeding season lasts from May to July.
7. Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus)
Also known as the Little Nightjar or Moth Owl, this bird is widespread across Australia, Tasmania, and nearby islands. It roosts in tree hollows during the day and hunts moths and beetles at dusk. Its call is a loud churring noise.
It nests in a tree or stump hollow, lined with leaves. Eggs are three to four, white and occasionally spotted. The breeding season spans from September to December.
8. Marbled Frogmouth (Podargus ocellatus)
This species is found in northern Queensland and New Guinea. During the day, it roosts in dense scrub and hunts beetles at night. Its call is a repeated “Kooloo, kooloo.”
It nests on a flat twig platform placed in thick scrub. Eggs are two, white and rounded. October is the only recorded breeding month.
9. Plumed Frogmouth (Podargus plumiferus)
This rare species is found in southeastern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales. Little is known about its habits.
10. Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides)
The Tawny Frogmouth is common throughout Australia. It rests upright on tree branches during the day, blending seamlessly with the bark. Its call is a low booming “Oom,” repeated many times, and it feeds on insects.
It nests on an open stick platform in a forked tree branch, up to 40 feet high. Eggs are two or three, white and rounded. The breeding season spans from August to December.