Fulvous Owl

The Fulvous Owl, also known as the Guatemala Barred Owl, is a medium-sized owl with a round head, notable for its absence of ear tufts. It exhibits a warm dark brown or reddish brown plumage on its back, with a lighter brown front adorned with darker barring. Adult Fulvous Owls typically weigh around 600 grams, with females being slightly heavier.

Identification Tips

This species can be identified by its round head, lack of ear tufts, and the distinctive coloration of its plumage. The facial disc is a dull brownish-white or pale ochre, surrounded by concentric dark brown bars. The upperparts are a rich, warm dark brown or reddish brown with lighter scalloped markings. The underparts are lighter with dark brown or reddish-brown streaks. The bill and cere are yellowish, and the legs are feathered reddish-brown down to the yellowish toes.

Habitat

The Fulvous Owl resides in the cloud forests of Central America, preferring montane evergreen pine forests and humid pine-oak forests within its range.

Distribution

This owl is found in highland regions of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, with its range extending to the Mexican states of Chiapas and Oaxaca. It inhabits elevations from 1,200 to 3,100 meters above sea level.

Behaviour

The Fulvous Owl is nocturnal and is known to hunt from a perch. Its behavior is not well-documented, but it is presumed to be monogamous and does not migrate. Vocalizations include a loud barking hoot and parrot-like calls.

Song & Calls

The call of the Fulvous Owl is a loud barking hoot, which can vary in the number of notes and is sometimes performed as a duet between male and female. The female's call is higher in pitch, and the species also makes parrot-like nasal calls.

Breeding

Breeding behavior is not well-known, but young have been observed in May. The species is presumed to be monogamous, with a clutch size ranging from two to five eggs, typically two or three. The incubation period lasts between 28 and 30 days, with nests usually located in tree cavities.

Similar Species

The Fulvous Owl is visually similar to the Barred Owl but is smaller and has a different coloration pattern. The Mottled Owl, which shares part of its range, is darker brown and smaller, with a facial disc that is dark with a white edge.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Fulvous Owl likely includes rodents, large insects, birds, frogs, and lizards. However, specific dietary habits are not well-documented.

Conservation status

The Fulvous Owl is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with an estimated population of 20,000 to 50,000 individuals. However, it is considered endangered in Mexico due to habitat loss.