About the Crested Owl
The crested owl is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is the only species (monotypic) in the genus Lophostrix. It is a resident bird and occurs in Central America and northern South America. It is a medium-sized owl, easily recognizable with its very long whitish ear tufts and otherwise darker appearance. It inhabits lowland rainforests and prefers old growth in proximity with water. The crested owl is a strictly nocturnal species, but very little is known about its behaviour.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
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The crested owl is a medium-sized owl with a total length ranging from 38 to 43 cm and weighs 425 to 620 grams. It is distinctively recognized with its very long white or buff colored ear tufts and its prominent whitish eyestripe that extends into the ear tufts. The Iris varies from yellow to brown mottled with rufous. The bill is generally yellow or darker and its toes are a pale grey-brown colour. The mesoptile (down feathers) of juveniles is whitish. Their facial disk is dark, and the ear tufts are short. The flight and tail feathers are similar to adults. Voice: The characteristic call of the crested owl is usually given when they are perched high in the canopy. The call is low but far carrying Gooooorrr or Broorrr. The song resembles a frog-like croak and can be mistaken by the call of the Bare-Throated Tiger Heron. The song begins with a stuttering rattle k-k-kkkk, which accelerates to a deep, rough and guttural krrrrrao.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Crested Owl lives
When to see the Crested Owl
Peak activity in March · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
African Scops OwlOtus senegalensisThe African scops owl is a small owl, measuring 17 cm (6.7 in) in length.
Black-and-white OwlStrix nigrolineataThe black-and-white owl is a medium-sized owl with a round head and no ear tufts.
Great Grey OwlStrix nebulosaAdults have large, rounded heads with grey faces and yellow eyes with darker circles around them.
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