Range

Australia is the native home of the powerful owl. Here they can be found along the east coast from Queensland down through New South Wales, the ACT and in to Victoria.

Habitat

These birds are found in eucalypt forests, open forest and woodland. They will be found in sheltered gullies and along watercourses.

They require an old growth tree to nest in.

As possums are able to live alongside humans and represent the main food source for the powerful owl this species is increasingly seen in cities.

Reproduction

Breeding takes place from late March to September. Males seeking a mate for the season will begin to call in late February.

A pair of powerful owls will mate for life. This pair will defend their territory year round.

Males are responsible for preparing the nest. This is created in a vertical hollow inside of a large hollow log.

Once the male completes the preparations the female will enter the nest and deposit her clutch of eggs. Two eggs are typically laid though one may be laid. These eggs are close to being spherical and are colored white.

The male will provide a supply of food to the female and the chicks while she incubates them. This incubation period will last for 38 days. The female will provide almost constant brooding of the chicks for the first four weeks.

By 7 to 8 weeks old the chicks are ready to take their first flight.

Young birds may remain within their territory for as long as a year.

Behavior

The powerful owl is active by night. During the day they will roost in a tree in an area which provides ample shade.

Males and females each have a unique call with his being deeper. The call sounds like ‘whoo-hoo.’

A pair of powerful owls will live together year round in a territory which they defend against other pairs of owls.

Predators and Threats

Introduced predators such as the red fox, dog and cat have reduced the numbers of powerful owls.

Large parts of the former range of the powerful owl has been made uninhabitable due to clearing for agriculture.

The removal of old growth forests and large trees has reduced the availability of nest hollows. Hollows which are suitable for a powerful owl pair to nest in will take hundreds of years to form.

Poisoning, vehicle strike and disturbance are other threats to the survival of the powerful owl.

Quick facts

The powerful owl is Australia’s largest species of owl.