Rufous Owl

The Rufous Owl, or Ninox rufa, is a majestic bird of prey, cloaked in a rufous plumage that gives it its common name. This large owl species, described by John Gould in 1846, is adorned with feathers that mature into a rich reddish-brown hue. It is only slightly smaller than its compatriot, the powerful owl, and is known for its solitary and nocturnal nature.

Identification Tips

Adult Rufous Owls boast a wingspan of 100 to 120 cm and a body length of 46–57 cm. Females typically weigh between 700–1,050 g, while males are slightly heavier at 1,050–1,300 g. Both sexes have relatively small heads in proportion to their bodies and tails, with males having flatter and broader heads. The adults are characterized by their dark reddish-brown forehead, neck, back, and upper wings with light brown barring, while their underparts are rufous with thin cream bars. Their golden-yellow eyes and light grey hooked bill, surrounded by black bristles, are distinctive features.

Habitat

The Rufous Owl is a denizen of rainforests and their margins, but it may also be found in other forest types, moist savannas, and inland wetlands.

Distribution

This owl has a broad geographic range, inhabiting the Aru Islands, New Guinea, and northern Australia. It is the only exclusively tropical owl in Australia and is considered uncommon to rare.

Behaviour

Rufous Owls are elusive by nature but can become aggressive when their nests or offspring are threatened. They are nocturnal, roosting during the day, and are generally quiet except during the breeding season when they communicate with calls of varying pitches.

Breeding

The breeding season occurs from June to September, with the male attracting the female using a double call. Nests are typically high in trees to protect from predators. Both parents fiercely defend their nest and offspring.

Feeding

As generalist predators, Rufous Owls have a diverse diet that includes birds, insects, and small mammals. They employ various hunting strategies, from perch hunting to aerial pursuits, adapting their prey selection with seasonal changes.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Rufous Owl as a species of Least Concern. Despite a decreasing population trend, the decline is not rapid enough to warrant a vulnerable status. However, they face threats from hunting, deforestation, and forest fires.