Black-and-white owl

The black-and-white owl is a striking, medium-sized member of the Strigidae family. It typically measures between 35 to 40 centimeters in length and weighs approximately 400 to 535 grams. This owl is easily recognizable by its distinctive black-and-white striped breast, belly, and vent. Its upperparts are predominantly sooty black, complemented by a black-and-white striped collar and a mostly sooty black facial disc with white "eyebrows." Adding to its unique appearance, the owl has a yellow-orange beak and reddish-brown eyes. The chicks of this species are clad in fluffy white down.

In terms of habitat, the black-and-white owl is quite adaptable. It can be found in gallery forests, rainforests, wet deciduous forests, and even mangrove forests, ranging from sea level up to 2400 meters in elevation. Interestingly, these owls do not shy away from human settlements. Their range extends from central Mexico to northwestern Peru and western Colombia, covering a total of 12 countries: Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.

Regarding diet, the black-and-white owl primarily feeds on larger insects but also preys on small mammals, birds, and tree frogs. It commonly hunts from a perch but is equally adept at catching prey mid-flight. If you ever hear its call, it consists of a series of rapid, guttural low sounds followed by a short pause, then a low, airy call, and a faint short hoot. Sometimes, the owl simplifies its call to just the last two notes, omitting the initial series entirely.