The eastern grass owl, also known as Chinese grass owl or Australasian grass owl, is a species of owl in the family Tytonidae. They feed predominantly on small rodents.
Region
Southeast Asia and Australasia
Typical Environment
Found from parts of South and Southeast Asia through southern China and New Guinea to northern and eastern Australia. It favors extensive tall grasslands, sedge beds, cane fields, and the margins of swamps and reedbeds. The species roosts and nests within dense grass, often creating tunnel-like runways. It hunts low over open country, especially where rodents are abundant. Occurrence can be patchy and influenced by rainfall and prey cycles.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Australasian or Chinese grass owl, it is a long-legged barn-owl adapted to hunting over tall grasses. It nests on the ground in dense vegetation, often using tunnel-like runways. Populations can fluctuate with rodent booms and habitat condition, and it is easily overlooked due to its secretive, nocturnal habits. Grassland burning and conversion to agriculture can reduce its nesting cover.
Eastern grass owl (immature)
Eastern grass owl in Laina grassland, Tinsukia, Assam, India
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
low quartering flight with buoyant glides and short, silent wingbeats
Social Behavior
Mostly solitary outside the breeding season, with pairs forming during breeding. Nests are placed on the ground in dense grass, where a shallow scrape is lined with vegetation. Breeding is often timed to peaks in rodent abundance and can be irregular in arid regions. Adults roost by day in concealed grass tunnels.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are dominated by harsh, rasping screeches typical of barn owls, given during flight or from concealed perches. Also produces hisses and begging calls, with soft chitters near the nest. Generally quiet away from breeding sites.
Plumage
Pale, soft plumage with finely mottled buff and grey upperparts and mostly whitish to pale buff underparts with sparse spotting. Very long legs and a slim, elongated look compared to typical barn owls. Heart-shaped facial disc is prominent with a buff rim.
Diet
Feeds predominantly on small rodents such as rats and mice, locating prey by sound while coursing over grass. Will also take small birds, reptiles, frogs, and large insects when available. Prey is seized with long legs and powerful talons, often following a brief hover or glide. Pellet analysis in many areas shows a strong reliance on rodent-rich habitats.
Preferred Environment
Hunts over open tall-grass areas, marsh edges, rice and cane fields, and sedge wetlands. Often forages along drainage lines and ecotones where cover and open ground meet.
