Rufous Owl

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.

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. 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.

Rufous owls are characterised by having rather shy and elusive natures but are known to become aggressive if threatened. They are almost exclusively nocturnal birds and will remain in their nest or roost during the day. They are generally not very vocal, except during the breeding season. During this time, males and females will communicate to one another using calls of various pitches. The voice of the female is of a higher pitch than the male's.

Breeding. The rufous owl has a regular breeding season from June to September, depending on the warmth of its habitat. To initiate breeding, the male will utter a double call which will attract a female to him. As she flies toward him, the female will give excited trills in return. Eggs are typically laid in a nest located in the trunks or limbs of trees. Some nests are built as high as thirty meters above the ground in order to protect them from ground-dwelling predators. The male owl will select the nest and the female will lay one or two eggs inside. The eggs require 37 days of incubation. Once hatched, the young owls are dependent on their parents for many months, often until the following breeding season. The adult males and females will both aggressively defend their nests against predators and intruders while the young still reside inside.

Feeding. …