Sooty Owl

The 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. They have a finely white spotted head with scattered white spots on the wings. The females are lighter colored than the males. Greater sooty owls are nocturnal and roost in large tree hollows, caves and in dense foliage during daylight hours. Rarely seen or heard, they can be found in areas with deep gullies in moist forests, where smooth-barked gum trees, tree ferns and wet forest under-storey are present.Sooty owls have a piercing shriek lasting about two seconds and known as the 'bomb whistle'. This bird's lifespan is between 15 to 20 years; however motor vehicle collisions cause premature owl mortality.

Scientific name: Tyto tenebricosa