The eastern grass owl (Tyto longimembris)

The eastern grass owl (Tyto longimembris), or Australian grass owl is a species of owl in the Tytonidae family. It is found in Australia, Bangladesh, China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Myanmar, Nepal, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

Though some authorities consider this owl to be conspecific with the African grass owl, T. capensis, other consider it to be a valid species.

They feed predominantly on small rodents.

Description

The eastern grass owl is a medium-sized owl, similar in size to the barn owl. 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 female weighs 460 g (16 oz) while the male weighs 400 g (14 oz). 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 Tytoowls, it has a heart-shaped facial disk with brown buff and a white bordering.

Call

The eastern grass owl's primary call is like many other tyto owls. A loud, hissing screech but the grass owl's screech is louder than a barn owl's but quieter than a masked owl's.

Hunting

Although this species hunting is little known, the most common prey is the long-haired rat and the cane rat.

Habitat

This owl prefers tall grasslands and swamps since it is adapted to walking on the land in tall grass.

Distribution

Eastern grass owls live in the northeastern section of Australia, parts of New Guinea and the Western Pacific, southeast Asia and India. It has also been found in the coastal islands[where?].