Lesser Sooty Owl

About the Lesser Sooty Owl

The lesser sooty owl (Tyto multipunctata) 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.

The lesser sooty owl is a nocturnal owl with dark gray plumage and distinctive white speckles. Its heart-shaped facial disc is bicoloured, with a light horn-colored bill. It averages 32–38 cm in size, with females typically being larger and more aggressive than males.

They are habitat specialists which means they require a particular habitat to survive. In terms of diet, they are generalists which means they have a varied diet and are flexible with the prey they consume. In general, sooty owls are uncommon because they are difficult to observe in the dark, dense forests they live in. The sooty owl is the third largest Australian forest owl behind the powerful owl (Ninox strenua) and the rufous owl (Ninox rufa). Lesser sooty owls are known to be very territorial and release a loud... Wikipedia →