Band-bellied Owl
NameBand-bellied Owl
Common NameBand-bellied Owl
Scientific NamePulsatrix melanota
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)65
Length (cm)40
Weight (g)450
Plumage DetailsDark sooty-brown head with prominent white eyebrows extending to the sides of the neck. Upperparts are dark brown. Underparts are whitish to buffy-white with distinct dark brown barring across the belly and flanks. Throat and upper breast are dark brown, contrasting with the banded belly.
Vocalization / CallA series of deep, hooting notes, often described as a rapid 'who-who-who-who-whoa' or 'hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo'.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the humid montane forests of the Andes, from southern Colombia through Ecuador and Peru to central Bolivia.
Identifying Featuresprominent white eyebrows, dark sooty-brown head, distinct dark banding on whitish belly, dark eyes, yellowish bill
Description
This medium-sized owl is characterized by its dark head, striking white eyebrows, and a distinctively banded belly. It is a nocturnal predator inhabiting humid montane forests of the Andes.
