Species Profile
Flammulated Owl
Psiloscops flammeolus
Flammulated Owl
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
7–10 years
Length
15–17 cm
Weight
45–63 g
Wingspan
36–42 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Flammulated Screech Owl
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Appearance
The Flammulated Owl is a small, compact owl with large dark eyes and small ear tufts. Its plumage is primarily mottled grey and brown, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. The owl's name comes from the flame-like markings on its face.
Two different color types of Flammulated Owls exist, with grayish coloring prominent in the northwestern Great Basin Range and a reddish variation further to the southeastern part of their range.
Both sexes look similar, with subtle variations in coloration. Females, however, are marginally larger and heavier than males.
Juveniles are similar to adults. They are mostly barred with gray and dusky markings, with dull rusty gray or grayish-white streaked underparts.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Grey
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Flammulated Owls inhabit montane forests dominated by pine, fir, and aspen trees across western North America. Their range extends from British Columbia to Mexico, and they prefer open, mature forests at higher elevations.
These owls are migratory, spending summers in the northern parts of their range and winters in Mexico and Central America. During the breeding season, they are most commonly found in the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest in the United States.
Distribution
Diet
Flammulated Owls are insectivores, primarily feeding on moths, beetles, grasshoppers and crickets. They hunt by perching on branches and swooping down to catch prey in flight or on vegetation. During the breeding season, they may occasionally take small vertebrates to feed their young.
Larger prey may also be eaten occasionally, including small voles, mice, and songbirds, although insects and invertebrates are the largest element of their food intake.
Behaviour
Flammulated Owls are nocturnal and highly secretive, making them challenging to observe. They are agile flyers, capable of maneuvering through dense forest canopies to catch insects.
During the day, these owls roost close to tree trunks, relying on their cryptic coloration for concealment.
Calls & Sounds
The Flammulated Owl's call is a distinctive, low-pitched 'boop' or 'poot' sound, repeated at intervals. This vocalization is much lower than expected for such a small owl, often causing listeners to mistake it for a larger species. During courtship, males may produce a soft trill.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Flammulated Owls typically begins in late spring. Males attract females with their distinctive low-pitched hoots, and pairs form monogamous bonds for the breeding season.
These owls are cavity nesters, utilizing abandoned woodpecker holes or natural tree cavities. They do not add nesting material. Females typically lay 2-4 white eggs per clutch.
Incubation lasts about 23 days, and it is primarily done by the female. Nestlings fledge after about 25-27 days but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, Flammulated Owls face threats from habitat loss due to logging and forest management practices. Climate change may also impact their distribution and prey availability. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining mature forest habitats and promoting sustainable forestry practices.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their low-pitched, ventriloquial hoots at night during the breeding season
- Search for them in mature pine or fir forests at higher elevations
- Look for small, motionless shapes against tree trunks during the day
- Use playback sparingly and responsibly to attract them
Did You Know?
- Flammulated Owls have asymmetrical ear openings, which helps them locate prey by sound.
- They are one of the smallest owls in North America, barely larger than a sparrow.
- Despite their small size, they can migrate up to 5,000 kilometres annually.
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