The Mainland Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae: a Review

Abstract

The literature concerning the mainland Masked Owl's morphology, behaviour, distribution, habitat, diet, hunting methods and breeding biology is reviewed and supplemented with field observations and museum data. The Masked Owl is considered an opportunistic generalist, widespread in coastal and subcoastal open forests and woodlands, and extending far inland in locally rich patches of habitat which provide tree hollows (e.g. riparian woodland) or other shelter (caves, gorges, rock overhangs) and adequate prey. Its inland occurrence is confirmed. Its varied diet includes birds and insects, but it prefers terrestrial mammals, detected by listening from low perches. Its biology and conservation status require investigation.