Aegothelidae

Like a miniature owl except for the weak pink feet. Bill very short and broad, eyes large, blackish brown. Plumage moth-like; dark-grey, freckles and barred light-brown and buff. Head marking: dark crescent starts above eye, goes back and returns under eye, encircling a grey, buff or rufous ear-patch; twin dark and buffish collars on hindneck. Immature: more buff or rufous.

Nocturnal. By day roosts in tree and stump hollows. Territories of about 50-100 ha. Sedentary, keeping to the same patch of woodland year in year out. Mates permanently.

Forest Woodland, Forest lands; eucalypt and acacia forests and woodlands throughout mainland Australia.

Photo Noonamah NT.

September to December, 3 to 4; white.Usually one brood per season, Incubation 25-27 days by both sexes, young fledge 20-30 days, remain with adults for several months after.

Kakadu National park

Carnivore, Insects