The buff-fronted owl is a small owl. It is found in widely separated areas in every South American country except French Guiana and Suriname.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in widely separated (disjunct) populations throughout much of South America, absent only from French Guiana and Suriname. Found along the Andes from Venezuela south through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and into northwestern Argentina, as well as in eastern and southeastern Brazil, Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina. Inhabits humid montane and evergreen forests, cloud forest, and Atlantic Forest, also using forest edges and mature secondary growth. Locally present in riparian and gallery forests within more open landscapes. It is elusive and typically detected at night by its calls.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The buff-fronted owl is a small, nocturnal forest owl named for its distinctive buff-colored forehead and facial disk. It occupies disjunct populations across South America and is often detected by voice rather than seen. Like many small owls, it nests in tree cavities, frequently using old woodpecker holes. Its secretive habits and patchy distribution make it poorly known in many areas.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile maneuvering through forest
Social Behavior
Primarily solitary outside the breeding season; pairs form during breeding and defend small territories. Nests in natural cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes; clutch typically small. Nocturnal roosts are in dense foliage or cavities, aiding concealment.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, repeated toots or hoots given at measured intervals, often accelerating slightly. Calls are low-pitched and carry through forest at night, used for territorial advertisement and pair contact.
