Eastern grass owl

Appearance

The eastern grass owl is a medium-sized owl, similar in size to the barn owl. Adult males measure from 32 to 38 cm in length, while the larger females can measure from 35 to 42 cm. The wingspan is from 100 to 116 cm. The female weighs 460 g while the male weighs 400 g. They have dark brown or tan upper parts with pale spots. They have black and tan bars on its wings and a very pale beak, feathered legs, and dark brown eyes. Like all "Tyto" owls, it has a heart-shaped facial disk with brown buff and a white bordering.

Distribution

Eastern grass owls live in eastern, southern and southeast Asia, parts of New Guinea, Australia and the western Pacific. It has also been found in the coastal islands.

Status

Eastern grass owls are considered "least concern" globally, primarily because of their wide distribution. Within Australia, "Tyto longimembris" is considered vulnerable on the New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act.

Habitat

This owl prefers tall grasslands and swamps. Roost areas consist of flattened vegetation within systems of "tunnels" through the swamp vegetation. Nesting is in similar situations.

Food

Studies in parts of Australia have shown that the most common prey is the long-haired rat and the cane rat. Prey are detected from on the wing. The owl uses its long legs to penetrate dense ground cover and seize its prey.