BirdUp · Species
Rufous Owl
Ninox rufa(Gould, 1846)
Updated
At a glance
The Rufous Owl is a large bird, about 46–57 cm long, native to Australia. It can be seen year-round.
- Size
- 46–57 cm
- Origin
- Native
- Best seen
- Year-round
- Commonness
- Very common
01 · Identification
How to tell it apart
What does a Rufous Owl look like?
The Rufous Owl is a large bird, about 46–57 cm long and weighing 583–1300 g.
The rufous owl, also known as the rufous boobook, is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It was described in 1846 by John Gould, an English ornithologist. Its common name reflects the rufous-coloured feathers that these owls are covered with in adulthood. While it is uncommon, the species has a wide range, including Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.
Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
03 · When
When to look
When can you see a Rufous Owl?
The Rufous Owl is present across its Australian range year-round, so it can be seen in any month.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
05 · Behaviour
Habits and haunts
What does a Rufous Owl eat?
The Rufous Owl feeds on terrestrial vertebrates, usually foraging in pairs or flocks or alone.
06 · Gallery
Plumage up close
6 photos
The BirdUp app
Log your next Rufous Owl in the field
A pocket field journal for 850+ Australian birds. Offline-first, smart ID, and a lifelist that travels with you.