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Photo © Jan Harm Wiers eBird S32804606 Macaulay Library ML 42207561
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Black-banded Owl

Ciccaba huhula
Búho Negro
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Song

Black-banded Owl

Appearance: The Black-banded Owl is a striking bird characterized by its dark plumage. It has a predominantly brown and black body with horizontal dark bands across its feathers, giving it its name. The underparts are mottled with white and buff streaks. This owl has a rounded head, large yellow eyes, and a facial disc that aids in sound processing. 
Habitat: The Black-banded Owl is primarily found in tropical and subtropical rainforests. It prefers lowland forest, but it can also inhabit montane forest areas at higher elevations. It’s mostly found in areas with dense vegetation that provides adequate cover for hunting and nesting. 
Behavior: The Black-banded Owl is primarily nocturnal, being most active at night when it hunts for prey. It preys on small mammals, birds, and insects, using its excellent camouflage and keen senses to ambush prey. The owl is known for its distinctive calls, which can be heard during the night, serving both as territorial markers and as communication between mated pairs. 
Breeding: The breeding season varies by location, but it generally coincides with the rainy season when food availability is higher. The Black-banded Owl typically nests in tree cavities. The female usually lays 2 to 4 eggs, which both parents help incubate. The incubation period lasts about 30 days, and the chicks fledge approximately 4 to 5 weeks after hatching. Parents continue to care for them for some time post-fledging. 
Conservation Status: The Black-banded Owl is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Distribution

Amazon Region: Caquetá, Guaviare, and Putumayo: The Black-banded Owl can also be spotted in the more humid regions of the Amazon Basin, especially in areas with dense primary and secondary forests. 
Orinoco Region: Recorded in parts of Meta and Vaupés, where tropical forests and wetlands are prevalent, offering suitable areas for foraging. 

Taxonomy

The Black-banded Owl (Ciccaba huhula)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Strigiformes
  • Family: Strigidae
  • Genus: Ciccaba huhula
  • Species: Ciccaba huhula

Vocalization

Call Type: The Black-banded Owl produces a series of deep, resonant hoots. The calls typically have a rhythmic quality and can be characterized as a "whoo-whoooo" sound, with varying pitch and intensity. 
Territorial Calls: Males often vocalize to establish and defend their territory against other owls. These calls can help demarcate their breeding areas. 
Mating Calls: During the breeding season, vocalizations are used to attract potential mates.

Communication: Vocalizations are essential for communication between mated pairs, especially during nesting and care for young. 
Time of Activity: The Black-banded Owl is primarily nocturnal and is most vocal at night, though calling may also occur at dawn and dusk. 

Variation in Calls: Individual owls may have slight variations in their vocalizations that can serve to identify different individuals. Calls may also change based on context, such as alarm calls when they detect a threat.