Striped Owl (Asio Clamator)

Conservation Status: Least Concern
Distribution: Widespread throughout South America and some parts of Central America
Habitat: Riparian woodlands, marshes, savannahs, grassy open areas and tropical rainforests (though does not like areas with dense vegetation)
Diet: Rodents, small mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
Size (head to tail): 30-38cm (12-15 in)
Weight: 320 - 546g (0.68-1.2lbs)
Activity Cycle: Nocturnal

The Striped Owl is an elusive and poorly-known resident of the Neotropics, part of the 'Asio' or 'Eared-Owl' family, it is a cousin to the long-eared and short-eared owls that we get here in the UK! Although it is a relatively large and distinctive owl, found across a variety of habitats, the Striped Owl is easily overlooked, and even its geographic distribution is poorly known. A nocturnal and solitary hunter, it has a very varied diet and eats a large variety of species including rats, cavies, doves, sparrows, large insects and some reptiles and amphibians.

Did you Know? While typically solitary or in pairs, Striped owls are known to form communal roosts outside of breeding season, a behaviour that is very unusual for most owl species. The reason for this is not entirely known, one theory is that it could be way of providing protection from predators through 'safety in numbers'.

Our Striped owl is called Inca!

Photo credit: Eddie Howland