The powerful owl, a species of owl native to south-eastern and eastern Australia, is the largest owl on the continent. It is found in coastal areas and in the Great Dividing Range, rarely more than 200 km (120 mi) inland. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species also refers to this species as the powerful boobook.
Region
Eastern and southeastern Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeast Queensland through eastern New South Wales into Victoria and parts of eastern South Australia, mainly along the coast and the Great Dividing Range. Prefers tall eucalypt forests, riparian corridors, and wooded gullies with dense canopy. Also uses peri-urban and suburban parklands where mature trees and hollows persist. Generally remains within well-forested catchments and avoids extensive treeless plains. Territories often follow waterways and forested ridgelines.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Australia’s largest owl, the powerful owl specializes in hunting arboreal mammals like possums and gliders. It needs very large, old tree hollows for nesting and may use the same territory for years. Often seen roosting by day with prey clutched in its talons, it can persist in leafy suburbs that retain mature trees.
Powerful owl – Sydney, NSW, Australia
Powerful owl on a suburban TV aerial, Chatswood West, New South Wales
Powerful owl with its prey.
The young of the powerful owl leave the nest a few weeks after hatching but frequently are cared for over several months after dispersing from the nest.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong, silent flier with deep wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically forms long-term monogamous pairs that defend large territories year-round. Roosts singly or in pairs, often in dense foliage near the trunk. Nests in very large hollows of old eucalypts, usually laying 1–2 eggs. Adults provide extended care to fledglings, which may remain near the territory for months.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A deep, resonant two-note call often rendered as 'woo-hoo', with the second note lower and longer. Calls carry over long distances at night; males give lower-pitched hoots, females slightly higher. Duetting between pair members is common during the breeding season.
