Eastern Grass Owl
Tyto longimembris
The Eastern Grass Owl (Tyto longimembris) is a rare bay owls and barn owl found in 14 countries, weighing about 353 g. The eastern grass owl, also known as Chinese grass owl or Australasian grass owl, is a species of owl in the family Tytonidae.
About the Eastern Grass Owl
The eastern grass owl, also known as Chinese grass owl or Australasian grass owl, is a species of owl in the family Tytonidae. They feed predominantly on small rodents.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
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 Tyto owls, it has a heart-shaped facial disk with brown buff and a white bordering. Voice: The eastern grass owl's primary call is similar to that of other Tyto species, emitting a harsh, hissing screech or "scream"; however, it is somewhat louder than that of the common barn owl (T. alba), but softer than the call of a masked owl (T. novaehollandiae).
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR China, New Caledonia.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in January. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify an Eastern Grass Owl?
- The eastern grass owl is a medium-sized owl, similar in size to the barn owl. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is an Eastern Grass Owl?
- The Eastern Grass Owl is a large sized bird weighing about 353 g.
- Where can you see an Eastern Grass Owl?
- The Eastern Grass Owl occurs in 14 countries, including Australia, the Philippines, China, India and Indonesia.
- What birds look similar to an Eastern Grass Owl?
- The Eastern Grass Owl is most easily confused with the African Grass Owl, the Ashy-faced Owl and the Andaman Masked Owl.
- Is the Eastern Grass Owl endangered?
- The Eastern Grass Owl is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Eastern Grass Owl for real
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