The Stygian owl is a medium-sized "typical owl" in subfamily Striginae. It is found in Mexico, parts of Central America, Cuba, Hispaniola, and 10 countries in South America.
Region
Neotropics
Typical Environment
Occurs from Mexico through parts of Central America and the Greater Antilles (Cuba and Hispaniola) to much of South America. It favors montane and submontane forests, pine–oak woodlands, and semi-open country with scattered trees and edges. It also uses gallery forests, secondary growth, and plantations near forested tracts. Roosts are typically in dense foliage, ravines, or shaded forest edges. It is generally secretive and patchily distributed within its broad range.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Stygian owl is a dark, long-eared owl that is notoriously hard to spot, preferring dense foliage and shadowy roosts. It often nests in old stick nests built by hawks or corvids rather than building its own. This owl is known to hunt bats around cave mouths and forest edges, taking advantage of its silent flight. Its eyes glow yellow-orange, standing out against its sooty facial disk during night encounters.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
silent flight with deep, buoyant wingbeats; short glides between perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs during the breeding season. Nests in old stick nests of raptors or corvids, occasionally on ledges or dense tangles. Clutch is small and both adults defend the site and feed the young. Roosts by day in dense cover and becomes active around dusk.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A low, resonant series of hoots, often a repeated whoom or whoo-uh spaced at intervals. Also gives gruff barks and grunts during territorial displays and pair communication.
