Australian Grass Owl Latest News
A rare sighting of an Australian Grass Owl at Maguri Motapung Beel in Assam's Tinsukia district has excited birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts recently.
About Australian Grass Owl
- Australian grass owl, also known as the Eastern grass owl, is an elusive species of owl in the family Tytonidae.
- Scientific Name: Tyto longimembris
Australian Grass Owl Habitat and Distribution
- It lives in eastern, southern and southeast Asia, parts of New Guinea, Australia (mainly in Queensland) and the western Pacific.
- It has also been found in the coastal islands.
- It prefers grassland habitat, including savanna, floodplains and agricultural fields.
- One of the most remarkable aspects of this species is its preference for roosting and nesting on the ground, a behavior uncommon among owls.
- The owl constructs its nest amidst tall grass, meticulously hidden from view.
Australian Grass Owl Features
- It is a medium-sized, rather slim owl with long slender legs that are sparsely feathered.
- Adult males measure from 32 to 38 cm (13 to 15 in) in length, while the larger females can measure from 35 to 42 cm (14 to 17 in).
- The wingspan is from 100 to 116 cm (39 to 46 in).
- The heart-shaped facial disc is white in the male and pale orange buff with dark speckles in the female. It is outlined by a narrow pale ruff with dark edging at the bottom.
- The eyes are relatively small (for an owl) and have buff and black 'tear' marks below them.
- The upper parts of the owl are chocolate and buff while the underparts are pale, flushed orange-buff and highly spotted.
Australian Grass Owl Conservation Status
It is classified as 'Least Concern' under the IUCN Red List.
Key Facts about Maguri Motapung Beel
- It is a large freshwater wetland located near the Motapung village of Assam’s Tinsukia district.
- It is located in the south bank of the Dibru River, which is a channel of the mighty Brahmaputra River.
- The Beel is connected to the Dibru River by a system of channels and is very rich in aquatic life.
- The wetland, spread over an area of 9.6 sq.km. was declared an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) in 1996.
- The lake supports approximately 110 species of birds and a large human population, most of whom depend on fishing for a livelihood.
- It is a major stopover for wintering migratory birds. It hosts species like the Greater Adjutant Stork, Spot-billed Pelican, and various migratory waterfowls during winter months.
News: IT
Australian Grass Owl FAQs
Q1: What is another name for the Australian Grass Owl?
Ans: It is also known as the Eastern Grass Owl.
Q2: In which regions is the Australian Grass Owl naturally found?
Ans: It is found in eastern, southern and southeast Asia, parts of New Guinea, Australia (mainly Queensland), and the western Pacific.
Q3: What is the preferred habitat of the Australian Grass Owl?
Ans: It prefers grasslands, including savannas, floodplains, and agricultural fields.
Q4: What is the IUCN Red List status of the Australian Grass Owl?
Ans: Least Concern.
