The Mottled Owl (Ciccaba virgata; plate 15- 155) is
warm brown and tan with dark brown eyes. It is often
found near dwellings and is one of the most frequently
encountered of the Neotropical forest owls.
The Crested Owl (Lophostrix cristata; plate 15- 156)
is found both in dense forest and in secondary forest.
It is somewhat less frequently encountered than the
other species shown here, but it is certainly worth the
effort to find it. Its call is described as a rolling note
somewhat similar to the sounds of a toad.
During the daytime, it is not uncommon to
encounter a small pygmy- owl (genus Glaucidium),
staring with its bright eyes from its perch atop a snag.
Several species of these 15.2 cm (6 in) owls occur in
the tropics, but the most common is the Ferruginous
Pygmy- Owl (G. brasilianum; plate 15- 157), so named
for its reddish- brown plumage. Imitating the call of a
pygmy- owl will frequently result in exciting numerous
passerine birds to come close, call, and investigate the
perceived nearby predator.Plate 15- 154. Spectacled Owl. Photo by Kevin Zimmer. Plate 15- 155. Mottled Owl. Photo by John Kricher.
Plate 15- 156. Crested Owl. Photo by Kevin Zimmer. Plate 15- 157. Ferruginous Pygmy- Owl. Photo by John Kricher.
314 chapter 15 neotropical birds: the bustling crowd