Breeding by Barn Owls Tyto alba in artificial nest hollows established for an endangered black cockatoo in the northern wheatbelt of Western Australia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Barn Owls Tyto alba were recorded breeding in natural nest hollows in a Wandoo Eucalyptus wandoo woodland in the northern wheatbelt of Western Australia infrequently and at low densities during the period 1969-2022. During a record cropping season in 2022, Barn Owls were first recorded nesting successfully in natural hollows and in artificial nest hollows designed for use by Carnaby’s Cockatoos. The large clutch sizes (5-7) and complete fledging success observed in three artificial nest hollows was likely facilitated by a large House Mouse Mus musculus population associated with the record cropping season experienced at the study site.