Masked Owl - Nswfmpa.org

VIC - EndangeredWA - Secure3.4 LongevityDeaths in the wild are usually a result from not having enough food or falling victim tolarger birds of prey or as result of motor vehicle accidents.3.4.1 In the WildThe lifespan of the Masked Owl has been estimated at 10 years (Bell 1996), although thisis likely to be an underestimate, given the longevity of other owl species.(www.dse.vic.gov.au)In Glenys and Derek Lloyd, Birds of Prey book, it states that most owl species live forabout 20 years.3.4.2 In CaptivityIn captivity masked owls have a greater life span than prescribed by Bell (Bell.1996)With some birds known to live past 20 years of age3.4.3 Techniques Used to Determine Age in AdultsThere is no reliable technique for aging the adults. Juvenile and adult masked owls havesimilar plumage. You could look at feather colour and condition, beak, talon colour andfeet as they may turn slightly scaly in older birds, to try and estimate a birds age,although it is best not to judge a birds age by its physical appearance as health factors canaffect appearance. Keeping records of individuals hatch date is one way to know its age.13