Búho Barrado
Band-bellied Owl
Pulsatrix melanota
Song
Band-bellied Owl
Appearance: The Band-bellied Owl is a medium-sized owl with distinctive features. It has a round, flat face with prominent facial discs, and its plumage is primarily brown with mottled patterns. Notable are the bands across its belly, which give it its name. Its eyes are a striking yellow, providing a beautiful contrast to its darker feathers.
Habitat: This owl prefers humid, tropical forests, often found at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 meters. It can be spotted in mature forests, secondary growth, and sometimes even in areas close to human habitation, as long as there are adequate trees and cover.
Behavior: Band-bellied Owls are mostly nocturnal, being most active during the night when they hunt. Their diet primarily consists of small mammals, birds, and insects. They have a characteristic hooting call that can often be heard in their habitat. During the day, they rest in tree branches, where their camouflaged plumage helps them avoid detection.
Breeding: The mating season typically occurs around the end of the dry season. Band-bellied Owls usually nest in hollow trees or tree cavities. The female lays about 2-3 eggs, which she incubates for around 30 days. Both parents are involved in feeding the chicks once they hatch, helping them grow and develop until they're ready to fledge.
Conservation Status: The Band-bellied Owl is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN.
Distribution
The Band-bellied Owl is found in South West Colombia
Taxonomy
The Band-bellied Owl (Pulsatrix melanota)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Strigiformes
- Family: Strigidae
- Genus: Pulsatrix
- Species: Pulsatrix melanota
Vocalization
Hooting Calls: The primary vocalization is a series of deep, resonant hoots. These calls are often described as a rhythmic "who-who-who" pattern and can vary in pitch and intensity. Males and females may have slightly different pitches.
Duets: During mating season, pairs often engage in a duet, communicating back and forth with their hooting calls. This can create a beautiful harmony in the forest, especially at dawn or dusk when they are most active.
Alarm Calls: When threatened or disturbed, the Band-bellied Owl may emit a harsher, more abrupt call to signal alarm. This sound can be quite different from their typical hooting and is sharper and more urgent.
