Masked Owl - Nswfmpa.org

9 BehaviourThe Masked Owl is considered to be sedentary and territorial.it may occupy exclusivehome ranges and may mate for life. (www.dse.vic.gov.au)9.1 ActivityThe Masked Owl is a secretive, relatively silent, and strictly nocturnal species.(Threatened Fauna Manual for Production Forests in Tasmania).They roost by day in dense foliage of tall trees, or in hollow tree trunks. Sometimes theywill roost in caves or rock crevices. To enter the nest hollow they slide down tail first: acharacteristic of the whole Masked Owl group, Barn and Sooty Owls included.9.2 Social BehaviourThey tend to remain in pairs throughout the year, and may occupy a territory year- round.(Cholewiak, D.2003).When rising each evening the male and the female join each otherfrom separate roosts and greet each other by purring, chattering and clucking to oneanother.(Readers Digest).9.3 Reproductive BehaviourThe approach of the breeding season is signaled by a lot of vocalization from both birdsaround the nest hollow, led by the male. Before mating they go through elaborate headbobbingand wing-waving. (Readers Digest).9.4 BathingIn captivity an owl will bath in water bowl or any other water body in the enclosure.9.5 Behavioural Problems• Owls can show aggression towards keepers especially at breeding time. Handraised owls can become aggressive towards keepers having lost their fear ofhumans. Aggression towards keepers is shown by swooping at keeper’s heads.• Masked Owls display a threat posture inthe direction of a threat by crouching,spreading its wings, swaying from side toside, and hissing, snapping and rasping.(Readers Digest).repetitive flight patterns.• A stereotypic behaviour of owls is9.6 Signs of Stress• Loss of appetite• Sitting on ground38