Lesser Sooty Owl

The lesser sooty owl, Tyto multipunctata, is a medium-sized barn owl, cloaked in dark gray plumage, peppered with distinctive white speckles. Its heart-shaped facial disc is bicoloured, and it sports a light horn-colored bill. With an average size of 32–38 cm, this owl is a nocturnal creature, elusive and mysterious in its rainforest home.

Identification Tips

To identify the lesser sooty owl, look for its dark plumage and heavier spotting compared to its relatives. The bicoloured facial disc and light bill are key features, along with its high-pitched call. Females are typically larger and more aggressive than males, and both sexes exhibit identical plumage.

Habitat

This owl is a habitat specialist, thriving in the dark, sheltered areas of the rainforest. It prefers old-growth forests with tree hollows, often near riparian zones and rainforest gullies. Avoiding open areas, it roosts in foliage, vines, and inside hollows of large mature trees, as well as in caves and rocky cliff edges.

Distribution

Endemic to the wet tropics region of northeastern Australia, the lesser sooty owl has a limited and scattered range. It is often recorded north of the Great Dividing Range and occupies territories ranging from 200-800 hectares.

Behaviour

Territorial by nature, the lesser sooty owl emits a loud whistle to ward off intruders. It is vulnerable to changes in habitat and resources, as it is generally found in low numbers and has small clutches.

Song & Calls

The lesser sooty owl's vocal repertoire includes a high-pitched whistle and small squeaks in rapid succession. Its scream, a "falling-bomb whistle," varies in volume and pitch between sexes. The trill, another common call, is a shrill, creaking noise. These vocalizations are loud enough to pierce through the dense vegetation of their rainforest habitat.

Breeding

Breeding patterns of the lesser sooty owl are irregular and can occur at any time of the year, with peaks in spring. They are monogamous, with parental care extending past 10 months. Females incubate the eggs for 5–6 weeks, and the young fledge after 2–3 months, leaving their parents after 6–8 months.

Similar Species

The lesser sooty owl was once considered a subspecies of the greater sooty owl but is distinguished by its size, vocalizations, and color of plumage.

Diet and Feeding

As generalist predators, lesser sooty owls consume a variety of prey, including arboreal and terrestrial mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. They adapt their diet to prey availability and respond to changes in prey communities.

Conservation status

The lesser sooty owl is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, it faces threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and climate change. Conservation efforts are in place in some regions to protect their habitat and manage forests for their survival.