Sooty Owl
NameSooty Owl
Common NameSooty Owl
Scientific NameTyto tenebricosa
FamilyTytonidae
Wingspan (cm)110
Length (cm)40
Weight (g)850
Plumage DetailsOverall dark sooty-grey to blackish-brown, finely spotted with white on the underparts and back, giving a mottled appearance. The facial disc is pale greyish-white and heart-shaped, contrasting with the very large, dark brown to black eyes. The bill is pale, and the legs and feet are feathered.
Vocalization / CallIts primary call is a distinctive, drawn-out, descending whistle or shriek, often described as a 'falling bomb' sound. It also produces various hisses, screeches, and guttural calls.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in eastern and southeastern Australia, from Queensland south through New South Wales and Victoria, and also in parts of New Guinea. It inhabits dense wet sclerophyll forests, rainforests, and deep, vegetated gullies.
Identifying FeaturesDark sooty-grey plumage, Large, dark eyes, Pale, heart-shaped facial disc, Nocturnal habits, Prefers dense forest habitats
Description
The Sooty Owl is a medium to large nocturnal owl characterized by its dark, sooty-grey plumage and large, dark eyes. It is a secretive bird, typically found roosting in dense forest cover during the day and hunting small mammals at night.
