Asio stygius
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
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:
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