© dominic sherony / CC BY-SA 2.0Mottled Owl
The Mottled Owl is a medium-sized owl native to the forests of Central and South America. It has a brown, mottled back, pale underparts marked with streaks, and a distinctive round, ear-tuftless head with large dark eyes. The species is known for one of the largest size differences between males and females among owls, with females growing considerably larger than males. Adults reach a total length of about 28 to 35.5 cm. This is an advanced-level bird best suited to experienced keepers, and reliable lifespan data is still limited. Strongly territorial and wild in character, the Mottled Owl offers a rewarding challenge for those experienced in owl or raptor care.
View Mottled Owl encyclopedia →Breeder Wanted!
List on BreederDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!
BreederDirect's 6 Transparency Commitments
All Birds listings include complete Breeder transparency: hand-raised status, DNA sex determination, and health certification details.
- Hand-Raised
- DNA Sex-Determined
- Health Certified
- Origin Disclosed
- Color Variation Specified
- Age in Months Disclosed
Browse all 286 breeds
Care Level
No listings match your filters
Adjust your filters, or get notified when new listings arrive.
Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.
Browse other categories
Verified breeders (preview)
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
6Limited Lifespan Data
Reliable lifespan data for the Mottled Owl is still limited. Keep this uncertainty in mind when making long-term care plans.
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
View Mottled Owl encyclopedia entry →
Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
More in this category
Can't find the one you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and breeders with matching animals will contact you with introductions.