ID Keys: Very small size, dark eyes, short ear tufts.
The
Flammulated Owl is the second smallest owl found in the United States, second
only to the Elf Owl of the
Southwestern U.S. They are found in coniferous forests of the west, where
they primarily pursue insects and spiders. They are difficult to observe
and their exact population status is unknown in many areas. They are very
closely related to screech owls, and appear very similar to them, other than
their distinctive dark eyes, smaller size, and shorter ear tufts.
Habitat
The Flammulated Owl inhabits mature pine, pine-oak, and mixed conifer forests, particularly those with open understories and large trees containing natural cavities or old woodpecker holes. It is most commonly found in mountainous regions of western North America, often at mid to high elevations. During migration and winter, it occupies a variety of wooded habitats, including pine forests and tropical highland woodlands in Mexico and Central America.
Diet
Feeds almost exclusively on large insects, especially moths, crickets, grasshoppers, and beetles, Also feeds on spiders. Unlike most owls, very rarely if ever feeds on vertebrates such as small mammals.
Behavior
Primarily forages by observing from a perch and flying out to capture insects when spotted, mostly by hovering and gleaning them from foliage and tree branches, but sometimes by catching them in mid-air.
Breeding
Non-breeder in South Dakota. In range, the nest is in a tree cavity, usually an old woodpecker hole. The female lays 2 or 3 eggs, and she alone incubates them while the male brings food. Once the eggs hatch, the female stays with the young at first while the male brings food to the family. The young fledge after about 4 weeks.
Song
The Flammulated Owl is best known for its low-pitched, repetitive hooting call, often described as a soft, hollow hoo given every few seconds. Males call persistently during the breeding season to establish territories and attract mates, and their voice is surprisingly deep for such a small owl. The species also produces a variety of quieter chirps, whistles, and contact calls used during courtship and nesting.
Migration
The Flammulated Owl is a long-distance migrant, breeding in the mountains of western North America and wintering primarily in Mexico and Central America. Most migration occurs at night, and the species is rarely detected during its journeys because of its secretive habits and nocturnal behavior. Birds generally arrive on breeding grounds in spring and depart for their wintering areas by late summer or early autumn.
Western Screech Owl: The Flammulated Owl is smaller than the Western Screech-Owl and has much shorter ear tufts, darker eyes, and a more finely streaked appearance. Western Screech-Owls are stockier, have yellow eyes, and give a series of accelerating whistles, whereas Flammulated Owls produce a simple, low-pitched repeated hoot.
Conservation Status
The Flammulated Owl is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature because of its wide range across western North America and parts of Central America. However, the species is sensitive to the loss of mature forest habitat and nesting cavities, and some local populations have declined due to logging and changes in forest structure. Despite these concerns, it remains sufficiently widespread that it is not considered globally threatened.
Photo Information
January 28th, 2006 - Photo from U.S. Geological Survey
