Named for its distinctive dog-like double bark call, often heard at dusk and through the night.
VIC: Vulnerable; NT: Critically Endangered
Sensitive species — location data may be restricted
Indigenous: Muurrguu
At a glance
FamilyOwls
SizeMedium
RarityCommon
Habitatsparse woodland, open woodland, closed forest, grassland, and waterbodies
Best timeReported across most months in Queensland, with no narrow seasonal peak.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Étienne Leroy
Range map
Range map
No mapped hotspots are available in the visible area for the selected window.
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Known for its diagnostic ‘woof-woof’ call which sounds like a dog barking.
Behavior
Favors edge habitats and often roosts near creeks in woodlands. Feeds on small to medium sized mammals.
Gallery
Regional timing
New South Wales
Victoria
Western Australia
Queensland
Northern Territory
South Australia
Australian Capital Territory