Rufous-banded Owl

Strix hylophila

The Rufous-banded Owl (Strix hylophila) is a medium-sized owl found in the cloud forests of Central and South America. It has a distinctive rufous facial disc and prominent dark bands across its chest and belly. This owl is primarily nocturnal and hunts small mammals, birds, and insects. It nests in tree cavities and is known for its haunting hooting calls during the breeding season. The Rufous-banded Owl is an important indicator species for the health of cloud forest ecosystems, and its presence is often associated with intact, mature forests.

Habitat: Cloud forests