Black-and-white Owl

Black-and-white owls are striking nocturnal raptors of humid tropical forests, instantly recognizable by their heavily barred black-and-white underparts and deep, dark eyes surrounded by black facial discs. They hunt from mid-canopy perches along forest edges and clearings, swooping down with silent flight to snatch large insects, bats, and small rodents. Pairs maintain territories year-round and communicate using deep, guttural hooting duets echoing through the canopy after dusk.