Stygian owl


The Stygian owl is a medium-sized dusky colored owl. It has yellow eyes, a black beak, a dark blackish facial disk, and white eyebrows. Its underparts are a dingy buff color with dark brown barring and streaks. The upperparts are reverse, buff barring and streaks on a dark background. The adjective "Stygian" means "of, or relating to, the River Styx", but is more widely applied to anything that is dark or dismal.

Habitat

This owl occupies a variety of deciduous and evergreen forests, and open areas with patchy forest. It lives at elevations from sea level to above sea level.

Hunting

This species takes in a variety of prey including birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, crustaceans, and insects. All of its hunting is done at night.

Breeding

The Stygian owl lays two eggs in stick nests created by other birds, but occasionally, they will nest on the ground, like their relative, the short-eared owl.

Range and habitat

This owl is not globally threatened, although its status varies greatly throughout its range. It lives in South America, parts of Central America, and the Caribbean, in Cuba and Hispaniola. It has been documented twice in Texas and once in Florida.