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.
Región del Orinoco: En el oriente de Colombia, particularmente en Vaupés y Guainía, el Búho Moteado también se puede encontrar dentro de las áreas boscosas de este entorno biodiverso.
Taxonomía
El Búho Moteado ( Ciccaba virgata )
- Reino: Animalia
- Filo: Cordados
- Clase: Aves (pájaros)
- Orden: Strigiformes
- Familia: Strigidae
- Género: Ciccaba
- Especie: Ciccaba virgata
Vocalización
Llamadas ululantes: el Búho Moteado es conocido por sus ululatos profundos y resonantes. Estas llamadas suelen sonar como una serie de notas "ju-ju" que pueden variar en intensidad y ritmo. Los machos y las hembras pueden tener llamadas ligeramente diferentes, y los machos generalmente producen vocalizaciones de tono más bajo.
Llamadas territoriales: Durante la temporada de reproducción, los Búhos Moteados son más vocales. Los machos suelen ulular para establecer territorio y atraer a sus parejas. Este llamado puede producirse durante toda la noche y, por lo general, se oyen una serie de ululatos que resuenan en su hábitat forestal.
Llamadas de contacto: además del ulular, los Búhos Moteados tienen llamadas de contacto más suaves y sutiles que utilizan para comunicarse entre sí, especialmente cuando están cerca. Estas llamadas son más melódicas y pueden sonar como notas cortas y temblorosas.
Llamadas de alarma: cuando se sienten amenazados o perturbados, los Búhos Moteados pueden emitir llamadas de alarma agudas, más abruptas y menos melódicas que sus ululatos típicos. Estas llamadas indican peligro y alertan a otras lechuzas en las cercanías.
