The lesser sooty owl is a medium-sized masked owl endemic to the wet tropics region of Australia. Once considered a subspecies of the greater sooty owl, it is distinguished by its dark plumage, heavier spotting, and higher-pitched call. The lesser sooty owl has a limited range within northeastern Australia and primarily lives in dark, sheltered areas of the rainforest.
Region
Northeastern Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Wet Tropics of northeastern Queensland, Australia, with a patchy distribution tied to mature rainforest. Prefers dark, sheltered habitats such as deep, steep-sided gullies, vine thickets, and dense evergreen rainforest. Frequently roosts in caves, rock overhangs, or large tree hollows close to watercourses. Forages along rainforest edges, tracks, and stream corridors where prey activity is higher.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Once treated as a subspecies of the greater sooty owl, the lesser sooty owl is now recognized as a distinct species restricted to Queensland’s Wet Tropics. It gives a high-pitched, far-carrying screech and hunts silently with exceptionally soft plumage. This owl often roosts in shaded rainforest gullies, caves, and large tree hollows during the day. It is sensitive to habitat disturbance, particularly the loss of mature rainforest structure.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
silent flight with short, powerful wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in monogamous pairs defending a territory. Nests in large tree hollows, caves, or rock crevices, often reusing sites across years. Clutch size is small, usually 1–2 young, with both adults attending the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high-pitched, long, piercing screech that carries through rainforest at night, generally higher in pitch than the greater sooty owl. Also gives harsh hisses and rattling squeals near roosts or nest sites.
