Flammulated Owl
Least ConcernPsiloscops flammeolus
Visual Identification
Flammulated Owl
Appearance
The Flammulated Owl is a small, compact owl with large dark eyes and small ear tufts. Its plumage is primarily mottled grey and brown, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. The owl's name comes from the flame-like markings on its face.
Two different color types of Flammulated Owls exist, with grayish coloring prominent in the northwestern Great Basin Range and a reddish variation further to the southeastern part of their range.
Both sexes look similar, with subtle variations in coloration. Females, however, are marginally larger and heavier than males.
Juveniles are similar to adults. They are mostly barred with gray and dusky markings, with dull rusty gray or grayish-white streaked underparts.
Size
Length
15cm to 17cm
Wingspan
36cm to 42cm
Weight
45g to 63g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Grey
Secondary Colour
White Rufous
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Flammulated Owls inhabit montane forests dominated by pine, fir, and aspen trees across western North America. Their range extends from British Columbia to Mexico, and they prefer open, mature forests at higher elevations.
These owls are migratory, spending summers in the northern parts of their range and winters in Mexico and Central America. During the breeding season, they are most commonly found in the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest in the United States.
Elevation Range
1,500 to 3,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Flammulated Owls are insectivores, primarily feeding on moths, beetles, grasshoppers and crickets. They hunt by perching on branches and swooping down to catch prey in flight or on vegetation. During the breeding season, they may occasionally take small vertebrates to feed their young.
Larger prey may also be eaten occasionally, including small voles, mice, and songbirds, although insects and invertebrates are the largest element of their food intake.
Behaviour
Flammulated Owls are nocturnal and highly secretive, making them challenging to observe. They are agile flyers, capable of maneuvering through dense forest canopies to catch insects.
During the day, these owls roost close to tree trunks, relying on their cryptic coloration for concealment.
Vocalisation
The Flammulated Owl's call is a distinctive, low-pitched 'boop' or 'poot' sound, repeated at intervals. This vocalization is much lower than expected for such a small owl, often causing listeners to mistake it for a larger species. During courtship, males may produce a soft trill.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Flammulated Owls typically begins in late spring. Males attract females with their distinctive low-pitched hoots, and pairs form monogamous bonds for the breeding season.
These owls are cavity nesters, utilizing abandoned woodpecker holes or natural tree cavities. They do not add nesting material. Females typically lay 2-4 white eggs per clutch.
Incubation lasts about 23 days, and it is primarily done by the female. Nestlings fledge after about 25-27 days but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks.
Lifespan
years
The Flammulated Owl typically lives for 7 to 10 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Flammulated Owls face threats from habitat loss due to logging and forest management practices. Climate change may also impact their distribution and prey availability. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining mature forest habitats and promoting sustainable forestry practices.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their low-pitched, ventriloquial hoots at night during the breeding season
- Search for them in mature pine or fir forests at higher elevations
- Look for small, motionless shapes against tree trunks during the day
- Use playback sparingly and responsibly to attract them
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Flammulated Screech Owl
Family:
StrigidaePredators
Main predators include larger owls such as Great Horned Owls, as well as hawks, martens, and occasionally domestic cats in areas near human habitation.
Did You Know?
- Flammulated Owls have asymmetrical ear openings, which helps them locate prey by sound.
- They are one of the smallest owls in North America, barely larger than a sparrow.
- Despite their small size, they can migrate up to 5,000 kilometres annually.
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References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Psiloscops flammeolus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22688637A93203659.
View source - 2
report, 2019: Partners in Flight