The Omani owl is an owl of the genus Strix found in shrubland and rocky areas of Oman, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. It was discovered in 2013.
Region
Arabian Peninsula and adjacent Iran
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in the Al Hajar Mountains of northern Oman and neighboring UAE, and in rocky uplands of eastern Iran. It inhabits arid to semi-arid mountain slopes, cliffs, and boulder-strewn wadis with scattered scrub and acacia. Nests and day roosts are typically in rock crevices, cliff holes, or ledges. The species prefers remote, sparsely vegetated terrain with minimal human disturbance. Watercourses within wadis may concentrate prey and are frequently used as hunting corridors.
Altitude Range
200–1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
First documented in 2013 from the Al Hajar Mountains of Oman, this elusive owl was later confirmed from Iran and the United Arab Emirates. It favors rugged, rocky wadis and cliffs where its pale, sandy plumage provides excellent camouflage. Its distinctive hooting sequence was crucial to its discovery and identification. The species is poorly known and difficult to observe, often detected only by voice at night.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
buoyant, silent flight with short, rapid wingbeats interspersed with short glides
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Pairs likely nest in rock crevices or cliff cavities and defend territories along wadis. Breeding biology is poorly documented, but behavior suggests typical Strix owls with small clutches and strong site fidelity.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A distinctive series of deep hoots and spaced notes forming a characteristic phrase, often delivered from cliff faces at night. Pairs may duet, with the female’s voice slightly higher-pitched and softer.
Plumage
Sandy-brown to grey-buff overall with fine darker mottling and streaking; paler, lightly streaked underparts. The facial disc is pale with a contrasting darker rim; legs are fully feathered. Feathers are soft and dense for silent flight.
Diet
Primarily small mammals such as rodents, complemented by small birds, lizards, and large insects. It hunts from perches along rocky slopes and wadis, listening for movement and dropping silently on prey. Opportunistic feeding reflects the sparse prey base of arid mountain habitats. Pellet contents suggest a flexible, generalist carnivorous diet.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along rocky wadis, cliff bases, and sparse scrub where cover and perches are available. Often uses elevated rocks or ledges to scan for prey and to launch short, silent flights.
