General

Flammulated Owl: Small owl with two color morphs (gray-brown and rufous) with many intermediate forms. Head has ear tufts, dark eyes surrounded by rust-brown, pale-gray facial disk, and white eyebrows that start at the bill. Sexes are similar.

Range and Habitat

Flammulated Owl: Breeds in western North America from southern British Columbia through the western states to northern Mexico. Spends winters in central and southern Mexico and as far south as Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Prefers montane forests supporting aspen, ponderosa, and Jeffrey Pines.

Breeding and Nesting

Flammulated Owl: Two to four white to creamy white eggs are laid in an old woodpecker hole or natural tree cavity; artificial nest boxes are sometimes used. Female incubates eggs for 21 to 24 days; male brings her food on the nest. Young fledge at 21 to 25 days old.

Foraging and Feeding

Flammulated Owl: Eats insects and other arthropods almost exclusively, including moths, beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, caterpillars, centipedes, millipedes, spiders, and scorpions. Prey is taken on the ground, from foliage, and in mid-air.

Vocalization

Flammulated Owl: "Boop, boop, boop" is given softly and slowly at approximately two-second intervals, with emphasis on the second note.

Similar Species

Flammulated Owl: Eastern and Western Screech-Owls are larger, have yellow eyes, and lack rust-brown shoulder patches.