StatusNative
RarityCommon
Height40 cm
Bird Gallery
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Did You Know?
3 Facts1
"The Barking Owl’s scream has contributed to many rural ghost stories and legends across Australia."
Field Guide
Barking Owl
4 sections
The Barking Owl is a medium-sized hawk-owl widely distributed across mainland Australia (except central regions), New Guinea, and nearby islands. Named for its unmistakable dog-like “wook-wook” call, it is also known as the “screaming-woman bird” due to its chilling, human-like wailing cry. This charismatic nocturnal bird is more often heard than seen, especially in wooded habitats near water.
Distribution Map
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