Strix sartorii
The Cinereous Owl (Strix sartorii) is a majestic and elusive raptor, cloaked in a striking ash-grey plumage that lends it its common name. This robust owl typically measures 55-65 cm in length with an impressive wingspan of 120-140 cm and weighs between 800-1200g, with females often slightly larger than males. Its most distinctive field marks include a large, round head completely devoid of ear tufts, intense bright yellow eyes, and a prominent, finely barred facial disc outlined by darker co...
Dense, humid montane cloud forests and mature pine-oak forests at high elevations (1,800m - 3,000m). Primarily found in pristine, undisturbed old-growth stands.
Mainly small to medium mammals such as voles, mice, shrews, and gophers, complemented by small birds and large insects. It is a nocturnal ambush predator, relying on sound to pinpoint prey.
The Cinereous Owl is predominantly nocturnal and crepuscular, becoming active at dusk and returning to dense canopy roosts before dawn. It employs a classic perch-and-pounce hunting strategy, utilizing its exceptional hearing and vision to detect prey from elevated perches. Territories are extens...
The Cinereous Owl (Strix sartorii) exhibits a disjunct distribution within the montane regions of Central America. Its primary breeding range extends across the highlands of southern Mexico, particularly the Sierra Madre de Chiapas, southward through the mountainous spine of Guatemala and Hondura...
Near Threatened
- The Cinereous Owl's ash-gray plumage provides exceptional camouflage amidst the lichen-draped trees and misty conditions of its cloud forest home. - Despite its considerable size, its flight is virtually silent, a testament to its specialized feather structure and soft-edged primary feathers. -...