Bird of the Month: Barking Owl (Ninox connivens)

Posted on 23 September, 2024 by Anna

Welcome to Bird of the Month, a partnership between Connecting Country and BirdLife Castlemaine District. Each month we’re taking a close look at one special, local bird species. We’re excited to join forces to deliver you a different bird each month – seasonally adjusted, and welcome suggestions from the community. We are blessed to have the brilliant Damian Kelly and Jane Rusden from BirdLife Castlemaine District writing about this bird of the month, accompanied by Damian’s stunning photos.

A pair of Barking Owls. Photo by Damian Kelly.

Late in the evening, many years ago, having recently moved into a new house we built ourselves, (this is important because back then I knew all the window dimensions by heart), an owl appeared spread across the window. It had been hunting moths attracted to the light I believe, and stared at us with these huge, cadmium yellow eyes, that made me feel quite insignificant. Then it was gone as quickly as it had suddenly materialised. Going to my bird books to work out what species it was, I knew exactly the bird’s wing span, as it was spread across the window from one side of the frame to the other. Together with distinct chest flecks and deep yellow eyes, it could only be one thing, a Barking Owl. Quite a dramatic first sighting of a species.

Closely related to the larger Powerful Owl, the Barking Owl is named after its very distinctive “barking” calls. Often heard as a duet between male and female with the male call slightly deeper. Unlike Powerful Owls, distinguishing male from female is hard unless you hear the calls, as sizes are quite similar. Calls can be heard at anytime of the day or night and are quite distinctive, especially the duets.

This owl can be found all over eastern and northern Australia with occasional records in the west, but it is missing from Tasmania. Birds are quite sedentary and have been recorded resident and breeding at the same tree over many years. Unlike most other owls they can be seen hunting before dusk and after dawn. Diet consists of a variety of insects, birds, bats, reptiles such as skinks and mammals. Quite large prey can be taken including birds such as Kookaburra and Magpie along with Sugar Glider and various rats and mice depending on the habitat. Rabbits are also taken. There are even records of Yellow-bellied Gliders and Ringtail Possums which are quite large prey for a bird of this size.

Their preferred habitat is open forest bordering on more open country and farmland rather than the more dense forests. They roost often in quite open foliage and can be easily observed at times. Breeding occurs over winter usually with a nest in a tree hollow. Usually 1-3 eggs are laid. Generally only the female incubates and broods the young with the male providing food until the young are larger and then both parents hunt for and feed the fledglings.

An interesting aspect of Barking Owl behaviour is that of their scream which can be made by both sexes. Variously described as a loud, startling tremulous scream suggestive of a woman or child calling. Unlike the barking call which is made with bill closed, screams are made with bill wide open and also can be made during flight. It seems to be related to the proximity of predators or dangers.

Although not common in this area, pairs can be seen (or heard) all around the region.

Read more about Barking Owls and enjoy Geoff Park’s stunning photographs HERE.

Learn more about Barking Owls and listen to their distinct calls HERE.