Abundance: Common in all parts of Australia. Habitat:Woodlands, forests, scrubs. Primarily a woodland species, it is
found increasingly in mature gardens and sometimes in towns and cities. A
nocturnal hunter. Feed mainly on insects but occasionally enjoy a lizard
or small mammal. Movement: Sedentary. Description: Rather slender. Distinct, dark facial discs contrast sharply
with surrounding pale borders. Eyes green-yellow. Upperparts dark chocolate-brown; upperwing coverts, scapulars spotted off-white. Underparts
reddish-brown. Upper breast mottled buff, becoming reddish-brown. White-
streaked belly. Streaked darker centrally; facial discs very distinct.
Upperparts downy white; tawny wash on upper breast. Great variation within
and between races. Juvenile: Crown whitish. In Tasmania, birds are smaller,
darker; mantle spotted. Western, northern and central birds are darker,
less spotted. Delicate flight: rarely glides. Size: 30 cm. Voice: Falsetto double-hoot; continuous hooting.
