light morph Masked Owl ID

[Nikolas Haass <>]

Hi Andrew,

This bird is certainly not a Grass Owl. However, I agree with you, why isn't this bird an Eastern Barn Owl (rather than a Masked Owl)?

Cheers,

Nikolas

 

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Nikolas Haass

Sydney, NSW

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From: Andrew Taylor <>
To:
Sent: Friday, May 4, 2012 8:59 AM
Subject: [Birding-Aus] light morph Masked Owl ID

A lucky birdline contributor apparently had this owl
appear in his Broadmeadows (Newcastle area) backyard:
http://www.eremaea.com/sightingphotos/12/129826.jpg

I have little experience with Masked Owl and the ID has
me a little confused - and I'm hoping someone might explain the
finer ID points here.

The dark upper parts appear to rule out Barn Owl?
What about Grass Owl?

But 2 other field marks, the facial disk shape and the leg feathering,
appear to me to indicate Barn Owl.

The general appearance is bulky but given only a photograph its hard to
to be sure how much is just the bird's posture.

Andrew

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