Australian Grass Owl:
A rare sighting of an Australian Grass Owl at Maguri Motapung Beel in Assam’s Tinsukia district has excited birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts recently.
- Australian grass owl, also known as the Eastern grass owl, is an elusive species of owl in the family Tytonidae.
- Scientific Name: Tyto longimembris
- It lives in eastern, southern and southeast Asia, parts of New Guinea, Australia (mainly in Queensland) and the western Pacific.
- It has also been found in the coastal islands.
- It prefers grassland habitat, including savanna, floodplains and agricultural fields.
- One of the most remarkable aspects of this species is its preference for roosting and nesting on the ground, a behavior uncommon among owls.
- The owl constructs its nest amidst tall grass, meticulously hidden from view.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
Maguri Motapung Beel:
- It is a large freshwater wetland located near the Motapung village of Assam’s Tinsukia district.
- It is located in the south bank of the Dibru River, which is a channel of the mighty Brahmaputra
- The Beel is connected to the Dibru River by a system of channels and is very rich in aquatic life.
- The wetland was declared an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) in 1996.
- The lake supports many species of birds and a large human population, most of which depend on fishing for a livelihood.
- It is a major stopover for wintering migratory birds. It hosts species like the Greater Adjutant Stork, Spot-billed Pelican, and various migratory waterfowls during winter months.
