Striped Owl

The Striped Owl, Asio clamator, presents itself as a medium-sized owl, adorned with large ear tufts that give it a rather distinguished appearance. Its facial disk is a striking brownish-white, encircled by a bold black rim, while its beak is a deep black, contrasting with its cinnamon-colored eyes. Unlike its close relatives, this owl boasts shorter, rounder wings, and its plumage is a tapestry of cinnamon with delicate black vermiculation and pronounced stripes. The underparts are a paler tawny, marked with dusky streaks.

Identification Tips

When endeavoring to identify the Striped Owl, look for its prominent ear tufts and the unique coloration of its plumage. The upperparts are a rich cinnamon with fine black patterns, while the underparts are lighter with streaks. Its facial disk is pure white, framed by a thin black border, and its eyes are a distinctive cinnamon hue.

Habitat

The Striped Owl is quite adaptable, making its home in a variety of environments. It can be found in riparian woodlands, marshes, savannahs, grassy open areas, and even tropical rainforests. This owl is comfortable from sea level to altitudes reaching 1,600 meters and above.

Distribution

This nocturnal bird has a broad range across South and Central America. Its presence has been confirmed in countries from Argentina to Mexico, including but not limited to Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Behaviour

The Striped Owl is a creature of the night, and its elusive nature means that much of its behavior remains a mystery. However, it is known to inhabit a range of altitudes and environments, suggesting a degree of adaptability and resourcefulness.

Conservation status

The Striped Owl enjoys a vast range and is currently not facing any significant threats. Its population is considered stable, and it is classified by the IUCN as Least Concern.