Rufous Owl
Ninox rufa - - 2025 season.
Les Davie Park, Cairns North, FN Qld IMG_5517 20250820 - queenslandica pair near nest. They did not successfullybreed there this season.
Notes: Slightly smaller than
Powerful Owl. Underparts closely barred rufous/off-white.
Female smaller,
narrower head, more rounded crown. Ssp queenslandica darker above
than
nominate rufa, w. paler underparts. Ssp meesi small w. similar plumage
to nominate rufa.
Mostly inhabits rainforest, foraging for arboreal mammals
& mid-sized birds.
Range from Morcombe©
Saltwater Lake, Centenary Lakes NP, Cairns, FNE Qld IMG_8359 20251005 - queenslandica male CLICK female.
Les Davie Park, Cairns North, FNE Qld IMG_7021 20250909 -
queenslandica male. CLICK for female on 20250907.
Saltwater Lake, Centenary Lakes NP, FNE Qld IMG_6064 20250828 - queenslandica
Saltwater Creek, Centenial Lakes NP, Cairns, FNE Qld IMG_1943 20251115 - queenslandica Chick at nest hole. CLICK to see chick struggle to emerge, gets in trouble and both parents fly in to assist.
Saltwater Lake, Centenary Lakes NP, Cairns, FNE Qld IMG_8918+8920 20260222 - queenslandica adult and juvenileon a branch after sunset. CLICK for video of the juvenile begging/demanding food but none on offer.
Rainforest Boardwalk, Botanic Gardens, Cairns, FNE Qld IMG_4900 20260514 - queenslandica adult on left; immature,now 7 months old, on right - moult to adult not yet complete as shown by white tips to some upper wing coverts,
as well as some white body feathers.
Les Davie Park, Cairns North, FNE Qld IMG_6729 20250903 - queenslandica Male has Rainbow Lorikeet prey; offers it tofemale; takes it back and eats a bit; then hands it over to her; she flys off with it.
Les Davie Park, Cairns North, FNE Qld IMG_5534++ 20250820 - queenslandica Pair mating.
Saltwater Creek, Centenial Lakes NP, Cairns, FNE Qld IMG_1992-93-1 20251116 - queenslandica chick being harrassedby Willy Wagtail.