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
1468visible hotspots
11994visible records
5states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence
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
Western Australia
New South Wales
Queensland
Northern Territory
Victoria
South Australia
Australian Capital Territory
Commonly confused with
Australian BoobookNinox boobookSmall brownish owl with dark ‘glasses’ surrounding eyes. Plumage and size varies depending on region with some subspecies exhibiting much darker plumage than others. Fairly common in a wide variety of habitats. Similar to Morepork, and range overlaps in winter in southern Victoria; Southern Boobook is larger, lighter, and has less extensive spotting.→MoreporkNinox novaeseelandiaeMostly heard at night via their distinct double hoot call of 'more-pork'. Other calls are a monotonous 'more' or a rising 'quee' call, often given whilst hunting. Minimal overlap with introduced Little Owl, but differentiated by darker colouration, larger head, as well as longer tail. Note, rising 'quee' call can be mistaken for kiwi calls.→Powerful OwlNinox strenuaFound around coastal south-eastern Australia.→