Búho Moteado
Mottled Owl
Ciccaba virgata
Song
Mottled Owl
Appearance: The Mottled Owl is a striking bird with a rounded head and no ear tufts. It has a mottled gray-brown plumage that provides excellent camouflage against tree bark. Its facial disc is pale, and it features dark eyes, giving it an inquisitive look. The owl also has distinctive dark streaks running down its breast, and its wings and tail present a pattern that helps in blending with the surroundings.
Habitat: Mottled Owls are found in tropical and subtropical forests, especially in areas with mature trees. They prefer dense, humid forests, including lowland rainforests and adjacent edges or clearings. This owl can also be spotted in more degraded habitats and fragmented forests, as long as there are sufficient trees for roosting and nesting.
Behavior: These owls are nocturnal and are known for their silent flight, which helps them hunt in the dark. They feed on a variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, and insects. Mottled Owls are often solitary but may be seen foraging in pairs or family groups. They establish a series of vocalizations, including hoots and calls, especially during the breeding season.
Breeding: Mottled Owls breed seasonally, in the dry season, which can vary depending on their geographic location. They nest in tree cavities or sometimes in abandoned nests of other birds. The female lays 2-3 eggs, which she incubates for about a month. The male helps provide food during this time. The young are altricial, meaning they rely on their parents for food and care until they are ready to fledge.
Conservation Status: The Mottled Owl is classified by the IUCN as Least Concern.
Distribution
Amazon Basin: The Mottled Owl is prevalent in the Amazon rainforest regions, particularly in departments like Amazonas and Caquetá. This area provides the dense canopy and abundant food sources that these owls thrive on.
Andean Region: You can find these owls in the Andean foothills, especially in areas that still retain humid forest cover. Departments such as Antioquia and Risaralda are notable locations in this region.
Caribbean Coast: Some reports indicate that Mottled Owls can be found in the lowland forests of the northern Caribbean region, including parts of Córdoba and Sucre, although they are less common here.
Pacific Coast: - The Pacific lowlands, particularly in Chocó, provide suitable habitat. These regions are characterized by high humidity and lush tropical rainforests, making them ideal for Mottled Owls.
Orinoco Region: In the eastern part of the country, particularly in Vaupés and Guainía, the Mottled Owl can also be found within the forested areas of this biodiverse environment.
Taxonomy
The Mottled Owl (Ciccaba virgata)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Strigiformes
- Family: Strigidae
- Genus: Ciccaba
- Species: Ciccaba virgata
Vocalization
Hooting Calls: The Mottled Owl is known for its deep, resonant hoots. These calls often sound like a series of "hoo-hoo" notes that can vary in intensity and rhythm. Males and females may have slightly different calls, with males generally producing lower-pitched vocalizations.
Territorial Calls: During the breeding season, Mottled Owls are more vocal. Males often hoot to establish territory and attract mates. This calling can occur throughout the night, and you'll hear a series of hoots that echo through their forest habitat.
Contact Calls: In addition to hooting, Mottled Owls have softer, more subtle contact calls that they use to communicate with each other, especially when they are close together. These calls are more melodic and can sound like short, quavering notes.
Alarm Calls: When feeling threatened or disturbed, Mottled Owls may produce sharp, alarm calls that are more abrupt and less melodic than their typical hoots. These calls signal danger and alert other owls in the vicinity.
