Chaco Owl (Strix chacoensis)

Conservation Status: Near Threatened
Population: Data deficient but thought to be declining
Origin: South America - primarily the Gran Chaco, which stretches across Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina
Habitat: Dry Chaco woodland in Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina. They also live in areas with small groups of trees or giant cacti.
Diet: Small mammals, birds and invertebrates
Size: 45-57cm
Activity Cycle: Nocturnal

Chaco owls originate from South America - namely, Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay and are a member of the wood (Strix) owl family. They are named after the region they are endemic to - the Gran Chaco. This is a biome with low rainfall in hilly, rolling and flat terrain. The chaco owl is a small to medium owl, with a characteristic round head, barring across their body and no ear tufts. They are primarily nocturnal in the wild but will also be vocal around dawn and dusk! They nest in or under thorny bushes and holes in trees, laying 1 to 2 eggs in early May. In 2018 the IUCN listed them as "Near Threatened", with the population likely declining due to deforestation.

Did you Know? It used to be thought that the Chaco owl was a subspecies of the Rufous-legged Owl, however in 2005 they were classified as separate species and now studies have found that they are more closely related to the Rusty-barred Owl!

Our Chaco Owl is called Chico!