The Stygian Owl, Asio stygius is a medium-sized dusky colored owl. It has yellow eyes, a black bill, a dark blackish facial disk, and white eyebows. 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. This owl occupies a variety of deciduous and evergreen forests, and open areas with patchy forest. It lives from sea level to 3100 meters above.

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.

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.

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