Home, near and far.
The Flammulated Owl breeds in the mountainous regions of western North America, from southern British Columbia through the western United States and into Mexico. It winters primarily in Mexico and Central America.
Birds Heard
FIELD GUIDE
FIELD GUIDE
Owls
Flammulated Owl
Psiloscops flammeolus
The Flammulated Owl is a tiny, highly migratory owl of western North America, often compared in size to an American Robin. This nocturnal species is challenging to observe due to its excellent camouflage and preference for foraging high in large trees. Its distinctive, low-pitched hoot is often the most reliable way to detect its presence in dense forests.
MigratorySmallInsectivorousCavity nester
Meet the neighborhood - Length
- 15-17 cm
- Wingspan
- 36 cm
- Weight
- 45-65 g
Typical adult measurements.
Individuals and populations vary.
01 / The telltale details
You’ll know it
when you see it.
Start with shape and behavior. Then look for the smaller details.
- 01
Size and Shape
A very small, plump owl with a relatively rectangular head shape and short ear tufts that often lie flat.
- 02
Plumage
Overall gray or brownish-gray with dark streaks and crossbars, often with rufous (flame-like) coloration, especially on the face and shoulders.
- 03
Eyes
Possesses distinctively dark brown eyes, a key feature that distinguishes it from other small North American owls.
- 04
Facial Disk
Features an incomplete brownish-gray facial disk that begins at the ears and ends at the mustache.
02 / A place in the world
Where life
takes it.
These owls primarily inhabit mature, mountainous coniferous forests, favoring areas with large diameter trees such as ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir. They rely on tree cavities for nesting.
Stay a while. Or follow the season.
This species is a long-distance migrant, undertaking annual journeys between its breeding grounds in North America and its wintering areas in Mexico and Central America. It is the only North American owl known for such extensive migration.
03 / Listen a little closer
A voice
of its own.
The male's song is a soft, low-pitched hoot, often described as a single or double note, repeated every few seconds. Females may produce higher-pitched, more quavering calls.
04 / The life behind the feathers
A day in its world.
On the menu.
The diet of the Flammulated Owl is almost entirely insectivorous, consisting mainly of moths, beetles, and crickets. Occasionally, small mammals like mice are also consumed.
Flammulated Owls are nocturnal hunters, typically foraging for insects near the tops of large pine or fir trees. They catch prey both from vegetation and in flight, a behavior known as flycatching.
A place to begin.
This owl is a secondary cavity nester, utilizing tree cavities excavated by other birds, such as woodpeckers, for its nests. Clutch sizes typically range from two to four eggs.
The little routines.
Flammulated Owls are highly nocturnal and secretive, making them difficult to observe. Their excellent camouflage allows them to perch inconspicuously close to tree trunks during the day.
One more reason to pay attention
A familiar face.
A few surprises.
Flammulated Owls are among the smallest owls in North America, with only the Elf Owl being smaller.
Unlike many owls, Flammulated Owls rely more on sight than hearing for hunting insects.
Their long wings allow for rapid flight between trees, though this can reduce maneuverability.
Behind these field notesResearch & references · 12 sources
AI-assisted species research. Prepared October 2026. Details can vary across regions and populations.