Flammulated Owl

Flammulated Owl

A Reference for North and Central American Owls

 

Flammulated Owl is the second smallest and the most migratory owl in North America. It is believed to completely leave for Central America in the winter. This is a tiny owl that is almost exclusively insectivorous, has an exceptional camouflaged plumage, and is very timid in behavior so it is usually only heard and not seen.  Naturalist and author John Muir, who pushed the founding of Yosemite National Park, wrote in reference to the Flammulated Owl:

If a Martian in black livery were to sidle up on the dark side of our planet, all on a moonless night, to spy upon us, he could scarcely keep his business so well concealed as this ghoulish avian mystery.

Below you will find photos, range map, recordings, discussion, and  field notes to help identify, enjoy and see this beautiful owl. A more in depth write up can be found on its natural history page.

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