Observations of Masked Owls Tyto novaehollandiae in East Gippsland, Victoria

Abstract

This study reports limited ecological information gathered from opportunistic observations and radio-tracking of Masked Owls Tyto novaehollandiae novaehollandiae from coastal forests in East Gippsland, Victoria. Eight mammal species (seven native, one introduced) were detected from 44 dietary items, of which six species and 86% of dietary composition were species that are predominantly terrestrial in habit. Twelve roosting/nesting sites were located; 11 were within eucalypt tree-hollows (of which 10 trees were either dead or partially dead, with significant structural damage), and one roost was within foliage. Observations of apparently aggressive behaviour between the Masked Owl and the Sooty Owl T. tenebricosa, following call-playback, are discussed.