{"id":90,"date":"2021-12-03T07:27:55","date_gmt":"2021-12-03T07:27:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/owlpond.com\/?p=90"},"modified":"2022-03-28T11:03:09","modified_gmt":"2022-03-28T11:03:09","slug":"stygian-owl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/owlpond.com\/stygian-owl\/","title":{"rendered":"Stygian Owl : A to Z Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Stygian Owl can be found in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Although it has a wide range and is not usually migratory, two specimens of this species have been discovered in Texas. Stygian is a name for the river Styx. This term likely refers more to the species’ overall dark coloring than to any association with hell. As you can see in the photo, the ear tufts are only visible when the owl’s alert or agitated. Relaxed Stygian Owls are less likely to have ear tufts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The owl can be found in forested areas such as pine forest and semideciduous woods. The owl breeds between January and April. The Female is aggressive in danger. The female was more likely to use wing clapping as a threat display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to identify a Stygian Owl<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The facial disc is dark brown with a finely speckled lateral edge. The prominent and short brows are whitish. The eyes are yellow-orange-yellow. The bill is blackish and the cere is greyish brown. The ear-tufts are prominent and long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The upperparts are dark sooty brown, while the forehead and crown are mottled pale. The back and mantle are almost plain with faint spots on the outer webs and feather edgings. The primaries are almost plain brown, with rows of indistinct pale spots. While the secondaries are light and dark, they are barred. The tail is a sooty-brown color with some paler bars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The underparts are pale and bared with dusky breasts, and the rest of the body is covered in dark shaft-streaks or cross-bars. Tarsi have feathers, and their brownish-flesh feet are partially feathered with short plumes. The claws are made of dark horn and have blackish tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n