The Rufous Owl

The rufous owl, aka rufous boobook, can be found in Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. But having a wide range they are still uncommon to find. They face the threats of habitat loss and destruction in the form of the clearing of native forests and woodlands for agriculture, pasture development, as well as timber harvesting which reduces available living and foraging spaces. Unsustainable levels of traditional hunting and trapping also affect these owls. High-frequency and intense forest and brush fires during the dry season also degrade their woodland ecosystems and reduce the availability of prey. However, due to their wide distribution and abundance, these birds of prey are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Their population trend is listed as unknown at this time.

First the Stats…

Scientific name: Ninox rufa
Weight: Up to 2.9 lbs.
Length: Up to 22 inches
Wingspan: Up to 47 inches
Lifespan: Up to 21+ years

Now on to the Facts!

1.) They were first described in 1846 by English ornithologist John Gould.

2.) These owls get their common name due to the rufous-colored feathers the adults possess.

3.) Like so many other species of owl, they are nocturnal (active at night).

4.) There are 5 recognized subspecies: Ninox rufa humeralis, Ninox rufa rufa, Ninox rufa aruensis, Ninox rufa meesi, and Ninox rufa queenslandica.

5.) Their preferred habitats are tropical and subtropical rainforests, monsoon forests, and gallery forests along waterways.

But wait, there’s more on the rufous owl!

6.) Their call is a deep, slow, nasal sounding double hoot.

7.) Being initially shy and elusive, they can become very aggressive if they feel they or their eggs are being threatened.

Did you know…?
They are the only exclusively tropical owl in Australia.

8.) Females lay up to 2 eggs that hatch in up to 37 days.

9.) Flying foxes, phascogales, northern brushtail possum, sugar glider, rats, bandicoots, birds like the eclectus parrot, and others, plus various insects.

10.) They are, in turn, preyed on by wedge-tailed eagles and carpet pythons, and harassed by crows and ravens while trying to roost.

Now a Short Rufous Owl Video!

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Some source material acquired from: Wikipedia & IUCN