Stygian Owl Bird Facts (Asio stygius)

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Stygian Owl is a large, dark-colored owl with prominent ear tufts. Its plumage is predominantly dark brown to blackish, with buff and white mottling. The facial disc is brown with a distinctive black border, and the eyes are a striking yellow-orange.

Females are typically larger than males, but plumage is similar between sexes. Juveniles have a paler, more mottled appearance compared to adults, with less defined facial discs.

Size

Length

41cm to 46cm

Wingspan

100cm to 120cm

Weight

450g to 680g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Brown Black

Secondary Colour

White Buff

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Stygian Owl can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Stygian Owl is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Stygian Owl is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Stygian Owl is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Stygian Owl is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Stygian Owl is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Stygian Owl is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Stygian Owl is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Stygian Owl is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Stygian Owl can be found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Stygian Owl can be found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Stygian Owl is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Stygian Owls inhabit a range of forested habitats, including montane cloud forests, pine-oak woodlands, and tropical rainforests. They are found from Mexico through Central America and into South America, including parts of Brazil, Bolivia, and Argentina.

While primarily associated with mature forests, they may also be found in partially cleared areas with sufficient tree cover. Their distribution is patchy and often tied to specific habitat requirements.

Occasional reports of vagrant individuals have been recorded in the southern US, including the first recorded sighting in Texas in 1996 at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 3,000 meters

Climate zones

Tropical, Subtropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Stygian Owl. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons

Resident

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Argentina Belize Bolivia Brazil Colombia Cuba Dominican Republic Ecuador French Guiana Guatemala Guyana Haiti Honduras Mexico Nicaragua Paraguay Peru Venezuela

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Stygian Owl demonstrates remarkable agility, capable of swift and nimble flight through dense forest canopies. Its asymmetrical ear openings contribute to precise sound localisation, enhancing its manoeuvrability when hunting in complex environments.

Strength 70

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

As a large owl species with a wingspan of up to 120 cm and weighing up to 680 grams, the Stygian Owl possesses considerable strength. This allows it to capture and carry prey such as small mammals and birds, including smaller owl species.

Adaptability 75

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

The Stygian Owl's ability to inhabit various forested habitats from sea level to 3,000 meters, including montane cloud forests and tropical rainforests, indicates good adaptability. However, its specific habitat requirements and sensitivity to deforestation suggest some limitations.

Aggressiveness 65

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

While not exceptionally aggressive, the Stygian Owl is a skilled predator that hunts a variety of prey, including smaller owls. Its nocturnal hunting behaviour and 'sit-and-wait' strategy suggest a moderate level of aggression typical for a predatory bird of its size.

Endurance 70

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The Stygian Owl's nocturnal lifestyle and ability to hunt effectively in various forest environments indicate good endurance. Its capacity to inhabit a wide elevation range also suggests decent stamina. However, as a 'sit-and-wait' predator, it may not engage in prolonged physical activity as frequently as some other bird species.

Diet

Stygian Owls are skilled predators, primarily targeting small to medium-sized mammals such as rodents and opossums. They also hunt birds, including smaller owl species and large insects.

These owls employ a sit-and-wait strategy, swooping down silently to capture prey on the ground or in mid-air, targeting birds roosting overnight or catching bats in flight. Compared to other owl species, Stygian Owls are notable as their diet is not focused primarily on rodents.

Behaviour

Stygian Owls are nocturnal hunters, emerging at dusk to search for prey. They often perch on exposed branches, scanning the surroundings with their keen eyesight and hearing.

These owls are generally solitary, only coming together during the breeding season.

Vocalisation

The Stygian Owl's call is a deep, resonant 'hoo-hoo' or 'who-whoah,' often described as sounding similar to a distant foghorn. Males typically have a lower-pitched call than females.

During courtship, pairs may engage in duets, with the male and female alternating calls.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding season for Stygian Owls varies by region but typically occurs between February and July. Pairs are monogamous and may use the same territory for multiple years.

These owls do not build their own nests but instead use abandoned nests of other large birds or natural tree cavities. The female usually lays 1-3 white eggs, which are incubated primarily by her.

Incubation lasts about 30-35 days, with chicks fledging after approximately 35-40 days. Young owls may remain dependent on their parents for several months after fledging.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern ^[1]

While the Stygian Owl is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, it faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation in parts of its range.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting large tracts of mature forest, which are crucial for this species' survival.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

50,000 - 499,999 mature individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

Look for Stygian Owls in dense forests or along forest edges after sunset
Listen for their distinctive low-pitched hoots, which can carry for long distances
Search for pellets or whitewash beneath large trees, which may indicate roosting sites
Use red-filtered flashlights to minimize disturbance when observing at night

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Tropical Great Horned Owl

Family:

Strigidae

Average Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Predators

Adult Stygian Owls have few natural predators due to their size and nocturnal habits. However, eggs and young may fall prey to larger raptors, snakes, and arboreal mammals.

Did You Know?

The name 'Stygian' refers to the River Styx in Greek mythology, alluding to the owl's dark plumage.
Stygian Owls have asymmetrical ear openings, which helps them pinpoint the location of sounds with remarkable accuracy.
Despite their large size, Stygian Owls are capable of swift, agile flight through dense forest canopies.
They are one of the world’s least-documented owl species.