The sooty owl or greater sooty owl is a medium to large owl found in south-eastern Australia, Montane rainforests of New Guinea and have been seen on Flinders Island in the Bass Strait. The lesser sooty owl, is sometimes considered to be conspecific with this species, in which case they are then together referred to as sooty owls. It is substantially smaller and occurs in the wet tropics region of North Queensland, Australia.
Region
Southeast Australia and New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs in temperate and subtropical rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests, and deep, sheltered gullies with dense canopy and abundant hollow-bearing trees. In Australia it ranges mainly along the Great Dividing Range and adjacent coastal forests of New South Wales and Victoria, with records from Tasmania’s islands such as Flinders. In New Guinea it inhabits montane rainforest. The species favors mature forests with complex structure, using large hollows or rocky cavities for roosting and nesting. It is generally absent from open woodlands and heavily cleared landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The greater sooty owl is a large, dark-faced barn owl that haunts wet forests and steep gullies, often roosting in big tree hollows or caves. Females are noticeably larger than males. Its far-carrying, descending scream is one of the most distinctive night sounds in southeastern Australian forests. It preys heavily on arboreal mammals such as gliders and small possums.
Greater sooty owl emerging from a tree cave at dusk
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
silent, powerful flier with deep wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in bonded pairs occupying permanent territories. Pairs nest in large tree hollows, rock crevices, or caves, typically laying 1–2 eggs. They roost by day in dense foliage, hollows, or caves, and become active soon after dusk.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The primary call is a long, piercing, descending scream that carries through forested valleys. Near nests they also give rapid whistles, trills, and chattering notes.
