Mottled Owl

This is one of the more common owls of Belize’s tropical lowlands and foothills, up to 8200,’ and its range stretches from Central America south to Brazil and Argentina. True to its name, its head and back are mottled, although its chest and throat are white with vertical stripes. This medium-sized owl, up to 14” in length, has a round head and no feathery “ears.” Its eyes are dark, and get this – it often has a greenish beak. Larger specimens are female, while the males are quite a bit smaller, this large difference being unusual in owls.

Mottled owls are often heard in the Mayan Foothills, and are one of the few owl species that is not considered threatened. You might spot this owl at night, hunting from fence posts, low branches or road signs.

However, you are more likely to discover its presence only by its calls, an interesting assortment that includes a cat-like yowling and various abrupt hoots. Check some of them out here.

The mottled owl doesn’t seem to be put off by humans, and is often heard, if not seen, around settled areas in rainforests, woods, and open countryside with occasional trees. It is nocturnal, with acute hearing and excellent eyesight in low-light situations, and hunts small mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, and large insects from low perches.  

It generally nests in tree cavities, but has been known to re-use large nests built by other species of birds.  Here’s a video of it calling. Be sure to watch it to the end to see the owl’s beautifully mottled back and tail as it turns to fly away.