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The Flammulated Owl - (Otus flammeolus)
Description
Size: 160 mm to 170 mm
Colour: There are two phases of flammulated owl the red and the grey.
The grey phase has a mixed brown grey upper parts with the under parts
being an off white with irregular bars of black, the legs are a dull
white to pale buff and the facial disc is lined with black with white
barred feathers going to the nasal area. The red phase has cinnamon
brown under parts and a reduced barring effect than the grey phase. The
eyes are large and dark brown in colour and the head is fitted with
small 'ear' Tufts.
Behaviour
The Flammulated owl is an elusive and nocturnal species of owl. It lives
mainly in mountain forest areas. The owl captures insects from conifer
crowns and flying insects by hawking. It is also thought to be one of
the most migratory of the North American owls.
Breeding
The first eggs are laid from mid April to mid July and they lay between
3 an 5 eggs. Incubation is on average 22 days. Nest sites are usually in
tree holes, often old flickers holes in Aspen. Eggs are laid on a
scattering of loose, dry material.
Food
The Flammulated owl is primarily a moth eater but will take other
nocturnal insects and spiders, it will catch beetles, crickets,
caterpillars and even scorpions given the opportunity. There is very
little evidence that this owl takes vertebrates.
Distribution
The Flammulated owl is fairly widespread in Western North America and in
Central America. The owls do migrate south to winter in the warmer
climates.
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