Birdsong field guide
Australasian Grass-Owl
Tyto longimembris
A specialized ground-dwelling owl of the Tytonidae family, distinguished from the Barn Owl by its notably long legs and preference for dense grassland environments.
What it sounds like
A high-pitched, rasping screech and thin hissing notes, similar to the Barn Owl but often harsher.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Field notes
- Possesses exceptionally long tarsi (lower legs) adapted for landing and walking through tall, thick vegetation.
- Nests and roosts exclusively on the ground, often creating a network of tunnels and platforms within dense grass or sedges.
- Highly nomadic species that frequently congregates in large numbers during local rodent outbreaks or 'plagues'.
- Its plumage is darker and more heavily spotted on the upperparts compared to the Eastern Barn Owl.
- Capable of producing a 'mantling' display where it spreads its wings to appear larger when threatened at its ground-level roost.
Habitat
Tall, dense grasslands, swampy heaths, and reed beds with thick ground cover.
Range
Discontinuous range across South and Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and northern and eastern Australia.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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