Owl appears on Tuvalu ounce

Downies latest contribution to the Australian flora and fauna on coins comes courtesy of the good folk of Tuvalu: Ninox strenua a.k.a. the Powerful Owl. The 40.60 mm, 1 oz…

(Image courtesy Downies)

Downies latest contribution to the Australian flora and fauna on coins comes courtesy of the good folk of Tuvalu: Ninox strenua a.k.a. the Powerful Owl.

The 40.60 mm, 1 oz .9999 fine silver proof quality dollar has a mintage of 5,000. The colorized coin was struck by The Perth Mint.

Powerful Owls are found down much of Australia’s east coast. They have a long tail and small head looking more like hawk in silhouette rather than a large owl. Upperparts are dark gray-brown, mottled and barred with white marks. Underparts are white with bold grey-brown barring.

They measure 45-65 cm in length and have wingspans of 112-135 cm. They can weigh up to 2.2 kg. They emit an impressive low, mournful, far-carrying double-hoo with each note separated by a brief silence.

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