Mottled Owl

Mottled Owl key facts

Care level

Advanced

Size

28-35.5 cm

Diet

Carnivorous: whole small prey such as mice and chicks, plus insects

Temperament

Nocturnal and territorial, resting in dense cover by day.

Cage

It swoops from perches onto prey, so provide a room or aviary large enough to fly, with a hiding place for daytime.

Vocalization

Besides territorial hoots it whistles, screeches and hisses, mainly at night.

Feeding

Fully carnivorous: feed whole prey such as frozen mice, chicks and quail, and weigh the bird to set rations.

Notes

Females are much larger than males, which can hint at sex. Only foreign captive-bred birds are traded; wild birds in Japan, including native owls, may not in principle be caught or kept under the wildlife law.

About Mottled Owl

The Mottled Owl is a medium-sized Central and South American owl known for its mottled brown plumage and unusually large male-female size difference. An overview of its traits and care considerations before bringing one home.

7 things to know before welcoming a Mottled Owl

1. 1Advanced-Level Care

   The Mottled Owl is considered a species best suited to experienced keepers with a background in owls or other raptors. It's not an easy species for someone keeping a bird for the first time.

2. 2Notable Size Difference

   Among owls, the Mottled Owl is known for one of the largest size differences between the sexes, with females growing considerably larger than males. Because of this, an individual's size can sometimes give a rough idea of its sex.

3. 3Round Face, Large Eyes

   Its rounded head lacks ear tufts, and its large dark eyes give it a distinctive expression. The mottled brown back and pale, streaked underparts provide camouflage suited to its Central and South American forest habitat.

4. 4Adult Size to Expect

   Adults reach a total length of roughly 28 to 35.5 cm. It helps to picture this size in relation to enclosure space when planning your setup.

5. 5A Nocturnal Lifestyle

   Like other owls, the Mottled Owl is nocturnal, resting quietly during the day and becoming active at night. Keep this light cycle and noise pattern in mind when preparing its environment.

6. 6Limited Lifespan Data

   Reliable lifespan data for the Mottled Owl is still limited. Keep this uncertainty in mind when making long-term care plans.

7. 7Listed Under CITES II

   The Mottled Owl is listed under CITES Appendix II. It's worth knowing, as a baseline before bringing one home, that this species is subject to international trade controls.

Frequently asked questions about Mottled Owl

Q.Is the Mottled Owl suitable for beginners?

A.The Mottled Owl is generally considered an advanced-level species. It suits keepers with experience in owls or other raptors, and can be challenging for someone keeping a bird for the first time.

Q.How different in size are males and females?

A.The Mottled Owl has one of the largest male-female size differences among owls, with females growing considerably larger than males. An individual's size can sometimes give a rough idea of its sex, which is useful to keep in mind when choosing one.

Q.How large does a Mottled Owl get as an adult?

A.Adults reach a total length of roughly 28 to 35.5 cm. Use this as a reference point when planning enclosure space.

Q.What is the lifespan of a Mottled Owl?

A.Reliable lifespan data for the Mottled Owl is still limited. When planning for long-term care, it's worth keeping in mind that solid figures aren't well established yet.

Q.Are there any legal considerations to know?

A.The Mottled Owl is listed under CITES Appendix II. It's worth knowing, before bringing one home, that this species is subject to international trade controls.

Useful tools for Mottled Owl care

Learn more about Mottled Owl in the encyclopedia

More in this category