Asio stygius
Stygian Owl
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.
Length
41cm to 46cm
Wingspan
100cm to 120cm
Weight
450g to 680g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Black
Secondary Colour
White Buff
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Grey
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Sea level to 3,000 meters
Tropical, Subtropical
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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.
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.
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.
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.
years
The Stygian Owl typically lives for 10 to 15 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
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.
Tropical Great Horned Owl
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.
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Stygian owls have piercing golden-yellow eyes. Their eyes can appear to glow a fiery red when illuminated by artificial light.
website: BirdLife International. 2023. Asio stygius. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2023: e.T22689504A167862135.
View sourcewebsite, 2022: Partners in Flight