About Psiloscops flammeolus (Kaup, 1852)
The flammulated owl, scientifically named Psiloscops flammeolus (Kaup, 1852), is a small nocturnal owl that reaches approximately 15 cm (6 in) in length, with a wingspan of 36 cm (14 in). Its proportionally large wings for its small body size allow it to fly rapidly between trees. Males and females can be distinguished by weight, as females are larger: females weigh 62–65 g (2.2–2.3 oz), while males weigh 50–52 g (1.8–1.8 oz). This species gets its common name "flammulated" from the flame-like markings on its face.
In appearance, the flammulated owl is similar to the western screech owl, but it only has about one-quarter the mass of the western screech owl, lacks large ear tufts (it has small, barely visible ear tufts instead), has dark eyes, and a distinct voice. The elf owl is smaller than the flammulated owl, while the mountain pygmy owl is around the same size. The flammulated owl's call is a series of relatively deep, single or double hoots.
This owl breeds from southern British Columbia and the western United States south to central Mexico. It is a neotropical migrant; unlike many owls, it is migratory, leaving Canada and the United States in the fall. It winters south of the United States, but also occurs in South Texas, Arizona, and California during winter. In the winter, it is also found in northern Central America, ranging from southern Mexico to Guatemala and El Salvador. The species leaves its breeding grounds in August to travel to wintering areas, and returns to breeding grounds in late April and early May.
Flammulated owls feed almost entirely on insects, and only very occasionally eat small mammals such as shrews and small rodents. Most of the insects they consume are small Lepidoptera, and they also eat crickets and beetles.
