A tiny owl (~7 in) with dark eyes (vs. yellow in most owls) and exquisite "flame" markings of orange-rufous on a gray base. Feeds almost entirely on insects.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The flammulated owl is a small migratory North American owl in the family Strigidae. It is the only species placed in the genus Psiloscops.
Source: Wikipedia — Flammulated owl Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Very small owl with short ear tufts, a gray-and-rufous bark-like pattern, and (uniquely among small North American owls) dark brown eyes.
Similar species. Western and Whiskered screech-owls have yellow eyes and are larger; the dark eyes and small size mark the Flammulated.
Voice. A surprisingly deep, soft, ventriloquial 'boop' or 'hoot' repeated every few seconds — sounds like a much larger owl.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Small mammals, birds, insects; hunting style varies by species.
Behavior. A tiny, highly migratory owl of western montane pine forest; almost entirely insectivorous, hunting moths and beetles at night. Extremely hard to detect.
§ Range
Western mountains in summer; winters in Mexico
§ Habitat
High-elevation pine and fir forests
§ Threats
Mature pine forest loss, fire suppression, climate-driven habitat shifts.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the flammulated owl is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Support mature western pine forest. Maintain old large trees with cavities. Use prescribed fire.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Flammulated owl
- www.allaboutbirds.org — authoritative profile of Psiloscops flammeolus
- IUCN Red List — search for Psiloscops flammeolus
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Psiloscops flammeolus
§ Sources cited
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
- National Audubon Society
- iNaturalist
- IUCN Red List
