Búho Ocelado
Rufous-banded Owl
Ciccaba albitarsis
Song
Rufous-banded Owl
Appearance:
The Rufous-banded Owl is characterized by its striking plumage, which features a mix of rufous, brown, and white. It has a rounded head with prominent ear tufts, yellow eyes, and a distinctive facial disk that enhances its acoustic abilities. The body is adorned with a pattern of horizontal and vertical bands, making it blend well into its forest surroundings.
Habitat: This owl inhabits tropical and subtropical humid forests, especially in areas rich in vegetation. It prefers dense, mature forests and can sometimes be found in adjacent secondary growth. The Rufous-banded Owl is often located in regions ranging from lowland to mountainous areas.
Behavior: The Rufous-banded Owl is mainly nocturnal and is known for its solitary or pairs' social structure. It uses a variety of vocalizations for communication, especially during the breeding season. This owl is an ambush predator, utilizing its excellent camouflage to hunt small mammals, birds, and insects at night. It has a keen sense of hearing, allowing it to locate prey in dense foliage.
Breeding: Breeding season varies by location and occurs during the wet season when prey availability is higher. The female typically lays 1-3 eggs in a tree cavity or on a platform of sticks and leaves. Both parents may take part in incubation and care for the young, which fledge approximately 3-4 weeks after hatching. The owlets remain dependent on their parents for some time after fledging.
Conservation Status: The Rufous-banded Owl is considered to be of Least Concern by the IUCN.
Distribution
The Rufous-banded Owl is distributed in the Andean region. It is found in the departments of Antioquia, Caldas, Quindío, Risaralda, and parts of Valle del Cauca. Additionally, it inhabits in areas along the Pacific slope of the Andes, where humid forest ecosystems are prevalent.
Taxonomy
The Rufous-banded Owl (Ciccaba albitarsis)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Strigiformes
- Family: Strigidae
- Genus: Ciccaba
- Species: Ciccaba albitarsis
Vocalization
Call Type: The Rufous-banded Owl produces a series of deep, resonant hoots that can be described as a "whoo-whoo" sound. The calls are usually rhythmic and can vary in intensity and timing.
Purpose:
Territorial Signaling: These vocalizations help establish territory among males, warning other owls to stay away from their established feeding and breeding grounds.
Mating Calls: During the breeding season, males may vocalize more frequently to attract females. Communication: Vocalizations also facilitate communication between mated pairs, helping them to coordinate activities, especially when rearing young.
Variation: The exact pattern and frequency of the calls can vary based on the individual owl and the situation, with different calls serving different purposes.
Time of Day: While mainly nocturnal, the Rufous-banded Owl may vocalize during the early evening or at dawn, which can be an important time for establishing territory.
