Protecting Powerful Owls

• Human actions are causing a decline in numbers through development on bushland fringes, removal of trees and vegetation and road deaths
• They are a threatened species — there may be as few as 5000 in the world
• Their habitat supports amazing wildlife, enriches our lives and connects us with nature
• Future generations deserve to see these birds in the wild

• Download a flier and give it to your friends and neighbours to read
• Download our position paper which is designed to educate and encourage all levels of government, professionals, groups, communities and individuals to protect and increase the number of Powerful Owls in urban areas
• Make your garden Powerful Owl friendly (see below)
• Submit sightings to powerfulowl@birdlife.org.au (give the time, date, place, any interesting details and, if possible, attach a photo or recording)
• Contact your local council and politicians if you become aware of inappropriate development or clearing

• Are Australia’s largest owl
• Are an icon of the Australian night
• Are charismatic, impressive birds
• Top predators which help to keep our ecosystems in balance, e.g. by controlling possum populations
• Are only found along Australia’s east coast
• Live for up to 25 years in the wild
• Have long and strong partner bonds
• Grow up to 60 cm in height
• Have a wingspan of up to 140 cm
• Have striking yellow eyes
• chicks have large orange feet with strong, sharp talons
• Are brown and white with brown chevrons on a white chest
• Chicks have downy white chests and grey masks
• Nest in large hollows of trees over 150 years old
• Have a delightful low ‘hoot hoot’
• Need to eat approximately one possum (or flying fox) per night

• Huge old growth trees more than 80 cm in diameter, with hollow entrances of 40 cm or more
• Roosting trees with dense canopies, particularly near rivers, creeks and gullies
• Foraging areas of complex vegetation large enough to support abundant prey species such as possums and birds
• Urban green spaces, bushland and leafy gardens
• Safe flight paths through bushland and urban areas
• Humans to help them survive and thrive

• Maintain and protect your old trees and value your trees hollows — they’re homes for frogs, possums, sugar gliders and birds
• Install a nest box
• Plant native trees and shrubs
• Plant understorey trees and shrubs to support prey species
• Plant shrubs in dense, continuous groupings for birds
• Don’t plant climbers and plants close to trees as they can damage the bark
• Keep thick mulch away from with tree trunks
• Avoid changing soil levels under tree canopies to maintain healthy tree roots
• Employ reputable arborists to prune trees (you may need council permission)
• Plant a gum tree, but not too close to your house, for future generations of Powerful Owls – you will also enjoy its beauty, wildlife and shade
• Protect Ringtail Possum dreys (they look like footballs made of twigs)
• Reduce hard surfaces such as paving

Residential areas with mature trees and canopies are more desirable and therefore valuable, than those without. By planting and caring for your trees and shrubs you will:

• reduce the temperature of your home thus saving money on cooling
• beautify your home
• improve your streetscape
• increase the amenity of your local area
• and all the while you will be protecting Powerful Owls!

What’s not to like?

This page is hosted by STEP on behalf of the Powerful Owl Coalition. The Powerful Owl Coalition is a group of concerned community environmental groups working in collaboration with the Powerful Owl Project of Birdlife Australia.

• Birdlife Australia's Powerful Owl Project
• Download a flier and give it to your friends and neighbours to read
• Download our position paper which is designed to educate and encourage all levels of government, professionals, groups, communities and individuals to protect and increase the number of Powerful Owls in urban areas
• Powerful Owl Facebook page
• Powerful Owl Submission to the Sydney North Planning Panel on the Redevelopment of Hornsby Quarry (May 2020)
• Email us at bcvu2119@gmail.com