Greater Sooty Owl

The Greater Sooty Owl, Tyto tenebricosa, is a medium to large owl distinguished by its finely white-spotted head and scattered white spots on its wings. The plumage of females is generally lighter than that of males. Among the heaviest in the barn owl family, this species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females measuring 41 to 50 cm in length and weighing 750 to 1,200 g, while the smaller males range from 37 to 43 cm and weigh 500 to 700 g. Their wingspan is between 30 to 40 cm. The facial disk is a striking dark gray-silver or sooty black, framed by a heavy black edge, and their large dark eyes are set within this round disk. The upper parts are black to dark gray, and the underparts are lighter. They possess a short tail and feathered legs, with notably large feet and talons.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Greater Sooty Owl, look for the piercing shriek that can last up to two seconds, a key auditory clue. Visually, note the heavy black edge around the facial disk, the contrast between the dark upper parts and lighter underparts, and the large, dark eyes that are characteristic of this species.

Habitat

Greater Sooty Owls are nocturnal creatures that roost in large tree hollows, caves, or dense foliage during the day. They favor moist forests with deep gullies, smooth-barked gum trees, tree ferns, and a wet forest understory. While they may hunt in drier areas, they typically roost and breed in more humid environments.

Distribution

This species is found in south-eastern Australia, the montane rainforests of New Guinea, and has been observed on Flinders Island in the Bass Strait.

Behaviour

Territorial by nature, Greater Sooty Owls are believed to remain in the same area throughout their adult lives. They exhibit a range of calls, including typical barn owl-like rasps and screams, a distinctive "falling bomb" call, and an insect-like twitter used for close contact with conspecifics.

Reproduction

Breeding occurs in large hollow trees or caves, where the female roosts for several weeks before laying one or two dull white eggs. Nesting can start from January through June, varying by location and climate. Incubation lasts 42 days, with the male providing food while the female seldom leaves the nest. The young are born with dull grey down and achieve flight in three months, remaining dependent on the parents for an extended period post-fledging. The lifespan of the Greater Sooty Owl is not well documented.

Conservation status

International

The Greater Sooty Owl is not considered globally threatened.

Australia

Within Australia, the conservation status of the Greater Sooty Owl varies by state. It is not listed as threatened under the Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. However, in Victoria, it is listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act, with an Action Statement prepared for its recovery. The species is also classified as vulnerable on the advisory list of threatened vertebrate fauna in Victoria and scheduled as vulnerable under the New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act.