Mottled Owl
Strix virgata
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Mottled Owl is a medium-sized owl with a rounded head and no ear tufts. Its plumage is predominantly brown and grey, finely mottled and streaked with buff and white, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
Both sexes are similar in appearance, with large dark eyes set in a pale facial disk. In terms of size, females are taller and heavier than males.
Juveniles resemble adults but may have a slightly fluffier appearance and less distinct markings. They gain their full adult plumage by around 4 months.
Size
Length
30cm to 38cm
Wingspan
80cm to 95cm
Weight
320g to 450g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Grey
Secondary Colour
White Buff
Beak Colour
Yellow
Leg Colour
Yellow
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Mottled Owls inhabit a wide range of forested habitats from Mexico to northern Argentina, including tropical and subtropical forests, cloud forests, and woodland edges. They are adaptable and can be found in both primary and secondary-growth forests.
While primarily a Central and South American species, rare visitors can be observed in southern Texas, USA, where they reach the northern limit of their range, making them of interest to North American birdwatchers.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 3,050 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Mottled Owl. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Mottled Owl demonstrates high agility as a nocturnal predator, capable of swift and precise movements when hunting. Its ability to catch bats in flight and swoop down on prey from perches indicates exceptional manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a medium-sized owl, the Mottled Owl possesses moderate strength. It can carry prey items such as small mammals and birds, but its strength is not exceptional compared to larger owl species.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
The Mottled Owl shows impressive adaptability, inhabiting a wide range of forested habitats from sea level to 3,050 metres. Its varied diet and ability to thrive in both primary and secondary growth forests further demonstrate its adaptable nature.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Mottled Owls are highly territorial behaviour during breeding season. They defend their territory with vocalizations and may exhibit aggressive behaviour towards potential predators or intruders. They're also fearless and vicious hunters, contributing to their overall aggression.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Mottled Owl's endurance is reasonably high, as evidenced by its nocturnal hunting habits and ability to maintain territories. However, as a medium-sized owl, its endurance is not as remarkable as some larger or migratory species.
Diet
Mottled Owls are opportunistic predators. They feed primarily on small mammals such as rodents and opossums, but they also consume large insects, small birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Examples of prey include fulvous rice rats and hispid cotton rats, cockroaches, grasshoppers, beetles, snakes, lizards, tree frogs and bats.
Their varied diet allows them to adapt to different prey availability across their range. They hunt from low perches and catch prey on the ground.
Behaviour
Mottled Owls are primarily nocturnal and become active at dusk. They are skilled hunters, often perching on low branches before swooping down to catch prey.
These owls are generally solitary but may form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, defending their territory with distinctive vocalizations.
Vocalisation
The Mottled Owl's primary call is a series of deep, resonant hoots, often described as "whoop-whoop-whoop" or "who-who-who." Males typically have a lower-pitched call than females.
During territorial disputes or when alarmed, they may produce a variety of barks, screeches, and whistles.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Mottled Owls varies by region but typically occurs between February and August. Pairs form strong bonds and may use the same territory for multiple years.
These owls nest in natural tree cavities, abandoned woodpecker holes, or occasionally in the crotches of large trees. They do not build nests but may line the cavity with leaves or wood chips.
Females typically lay 1-3 white eggs, which are incubated for about 28-30 days. Both parents care for the young, which fledge after approximately 5-6 weeks but remain dependent on the parents for several more weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Mottled Owl is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from deforestation and habitat fragmentation.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving large tracts of tropical and subtropical forests, which are crucial for this species' long-term survival.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their distinctive calls at night, especially in forested areas
- Look for them perched on low branches in dense vegetation
- Search for pellets or whitewash beneath potential roosting sites
- Use a spotlight with a red filter to minimize disturbance when owling
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators of Mottled Owls include larger owls, such as Great Horned Owls, as well as diurnal raptors and arboreal mammals like monkeys and coatis.
Did You Know?
- Mottled Owls have asymmetrical ear openings, which helps them pinpoint the location of sounds with remarkable accuracy.
- They are one of the few owl species known to catch and eat bats in flight.
- Despite their name, the mottled pattern of their feathers can vary significantly across their range.
- Roosting spots are found in trees, with males finding an overnight perch around 250 m (820 ft) from the nest cavity while the female is incubating.
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2022. Ciccaba virgata. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T22689122A167859687.
View source - 2
website, 2022: Partners in Flight
View source
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