The Taliabu masked owl, also known as the Taliabu owl or the Sula Islands barn owl, is an owl in the barn owl family, Tytonidae. This is one of the two groups of owls, the other being the typical owls, family Strigidae. It is endemic to Taliabu Island of Indonesia.
Region
Sula Islands, Indonesia
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Taliabu Island, where it inhabits primary and secondary forest, forest edges, and adjacent clearings. It is presumed to favor areas with large trees that offer nesting cavities. Individuals may also forage along rivers, village fringes, and in lightly disturbed woodland. Because of its nocturnal habits and rarity, it is seldom encountered and its exact range on the island remains poorly documented.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Taliabu masked owl is a little-known barn owl restricted to Taliabu Island in Indonesia’s Sula Islands. It likely roosts in large tree cavities and hunts silently over forest edges and clearings at night. Habitat loss from logging and fires on Taliabu is considered the main threat to its survival.
Temperament
solitary and nocturnal
Flight Pattern
silent flier with deep, buoyant wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically solitary outside the breeding season. Nests are presumed to be in tree cavities or other sheltered hollows, as in other Tyto owls. Pairs likely maintain territories and may reuse nest sites in successive years.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thought to be harsh, drawn-out screeches typical of barn owls, accompanied by hisses and clicking notes. Calls are most often heard at night near roosts or potential nest sites.
