Bird
Black-and-white Owl
Strix nigrolineataBlack-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.
NocturnalCarnivoreForest Canopy
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyBats, Large beetles, Spiny rats
Predators
- Harpy Eagle
- Ocelot
- Large snakes
ThreatsDeforestation, habitat fragmentation, and logging of mature cavity-bearing trees
HabitatsHumid lowland evergreen forest, rainforest edges, semi-open woodlands, and plantations
Life span10–15 years in the wild
Classification
- OrderStrigiformes
- FamilyStrigidae
- GenusStrix
- SpeciesStrix nigrolineata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Listening for Calls: Listen for resonant, low-pitched hoots around forest borders shortly after sunset.
- Spotting Responsibly: Use a red or dim light beam rather than direct white flashes to avoid disorienting birds.
Competitor (c) Jay Pruett, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Competitor (c) Ariel Gallego, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ariel Gallego · cc-by
Close Relative (c) dominic sherony, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Romilson Silva Lopes Junior, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Found in Collections
Species set
Moonlight Marvels
Black-and-white Owl is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
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