Sooty Barn Owl

Tyto nigrobrunnea

The Sooty Barn Owl (Tyto nigrobrunnea) is a medium-sized owl species found in the Philippines. It has a dark sooty-brown plumage with a heart-shaped facial disc, and distinctive black eyes. This owl is known for its haunting screeches and is a skilled nocturnal hunter, preying on small mammals, insects, and other birds. It inhabits forested areas, grasslands, and agricultural landscapes, often nesting in tree hollows or man-made structures. The Sooty Barn Owl plays a vital role in controlling rodent populations, making it an important species for ecosystem balance. However, due to habitat loss and human disturbance, its population is declining, leading to a conservation status of Vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List.

Habitat: Forested areas, grasslands, agricultural landscapes