The Manus masked owl is a barn owl endemic to Manus Island in the Admiralty Islands. Some authors consider it a subspecies of Australian masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae).
Region
Admiralty Islands, Papua New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs across Manus Island and nearby islets, favoring lowland forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. It uses tall trees for roosting and nesting and will forage along clearings, tracks, and village margins. Coconut plantations and mixed agroforestry mosaics are also used where prey is abundant. The owl typically roosts in dense foliage or cavities during the day. Human-altered habitats can be used provided there are mature trees and sufficient prey.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This island owl is restricted to Manus Island in the Admiralty Islands and is sometimes treated as a subspecies of the Australian masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae). It depends on large tree hollows for nesting, making it sensitive to logging. Like other Tyto owls, it flies almost silently and hunts largely by sound. It likely benefits locally from abundant rodents around villages and plantations.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
silent flier with deep, steady wingbeats and short glides between perches
Social Behavior
Typically monogamous, forming long-term pairs that defend nesting territories. Nests are placed in large tree hollows or cavities and are reused when available. The female incubates while the male provisions food, and fledglings remain near the nest area for weeks after leaving.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are dominated by harsh, prolonged screeches and rasping screams, especially at night near the nest. Also gives hisses, chittering calls, and bill snaps in agitation. Calls carry well through forest edges and clearings.
