Greater Sooty Owl
Tyto tenebricosa
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Strigiformes · Tytonidae
About
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.
Fun Fact
Greater sooty owls produce a chilling, descending shriek called a 'falling-bomb whistle' that pierces dense Australian rainforest — early settlers mistook the sound for the cry of a supernatural creature.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Wet eucalyptus forests and rainforests
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
10-15 years
Threats
- Deforestation
- Habitat Fragmentation