The mottled owl is a medium-sized owl found in Central and South America from Mexico to Brazil and Argentina. The head and back are mottled brown and the underparts whitish, with vertical bars on the chest and throat. The eyes are dark and the head is round and they do not have ear tufts. They are territorial and found in dry forests and jungles at altitudes of up to 2,500 m (8,200 ft) above sea level.
Region
Central and South America
Typical Environment
Found from Mexico through Central America into much of South America, including Colombia, Venezuela, the Amazon Basin, Bolivia, Brazil, and northern Argentina. It occupies a wide range of wooded habitats, from dry forests and gallery forests to humid tropical lowland and montane forests. The species is also frequent along forest edges, secondary growth, coffee and cacao plantations, and riparian corridors. It tolerates some human-altered landscapes provided there are mature trees for roosting and nesting.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The mottled owl is a nocturnal hunter that relies on silent flight and excellent hearing to locate prey in dense vegetation. Its deep, rhythmic hoots carry far at night and pairs often duet to reinforce territory. It adapts well to forest edges and plantations, which helps explain its wide distribution. Despite being common in many areas, it is more often heard than seen.
Chan Chich Lodge area – Belize
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with silent glides
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, defending territories year-round. Nests in tree cavities, old woodpecker holes, or occasionally in abandoned stick nests. The female incubates while the male provisions her and the young. Crepuscular and nocturnal activity peaks shortly after dusk.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of deep, resonant hoots delivered in rhythmic phrases, often descending slightly. Pairs may duet with alternating notes, and calls carry long distances on calm nights.
Plumage
Upperparts mottled brown with fine pale speckling; underparts whitish to buff with bold vertical brown streaks and barring. Rounded head with no ear tufts and a somewhat diffuse facial disk. Flight feathers and tail show subtle banding.
Diet
Primarily small mammals such as rodents and shrews, supplemented by large insects like beetles and moths. It also takes small birds, bats, lizards, and frogs when available. Hunting is mostly from a perch with short sallies to the ground or lower branches, guided by sound in low light. Prey choice varies by habitat and season.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along forest edges, trails, clearings, and riparian strips where prey is easier to detect. Frequently uses perches near openings, roads, or lights that attract insects. In agricultural mosaics, it forages in plantations adjacent to patches of mature trees.
