Male combat in the Powerful Owl Ninox strenua

Abstract

This paper describes an account of combat between two Powerful Owls Ninox strenua in the St George area, Sydney, NSW. The breeding pair of this territory had been followed as part of a monitoring program since July 2012. Daily photographic records from February to May 2014 provided recognition of individual birds by observing their distinctive chest patterns. Two possible interpretations of the incident were generated. Based on the identity of the aggressor and a male changeover in the territory, the combat incident was believed to be a contest between rival males.