The Flammulated Owl (Psiloscops flammeolus) is a small owl native to western North America. But why is it called the “Flammulated” Owl? The name refers to the unique flame-like patterns on the owl’s plumage.
The Origins of “Flammulated”
The term “flammulated” comes from the Latin word “flammeolus” meaning “flame-colored” or “flame-like”. This descriptive term refers to the distinctive reddish-orange and black scalloping, speckling and barring pattern on the owl’s feathers, resembling flickering flames.
The first known use of the name “Flammulated Owl” was in 1858 by American ornithologist Spencer Fullerton Baird when describing a specimen collected in New Mexico. However, some sources indicate the name was in use earlier in the 1800s among fur trappers and traders. The Flammulated Owl’s scientific name Psiloscops flammeolus incorporates flammeolus in reference to its flame-like patterning.
Description of the Flammulated Owl’s Plumage
The Flammulated Owl exhibits a cryptic color pattern that allows it blend into the bark of trees where it roosts and nests. Here are some key features:
- The owl’s underparts are variably patterned with reddish-orange and black vertical streaks, bars, arrowheads and triangular spots. This imparts a flame-like appearance.
- The upperparts and wings are more finely speckled and vermiculated in orange and black. From a distance this can look gray.
- The face is reddish-orange with a black bordering “mask” around the eyes and beak. The eyes are yellow.
- There are also black streaks on the forehead and crown.
- The wings and tail have black and orange barred patterns.
This combination of colors, speckles, streaks and bars blends together to evoke flickering flames, hence the name “Flammulated Owl”.
How the Plumage Helps the Owl
The Flammulated Owl’s intricate plumage pattern provides camouflage and concealment in its preferred forest habitat. Here’s how it benefits the owl:
- Daytime Roosting – During the day, Flammulated Owls roost on tree branches close to the trunk. Their complex patterning lets them blend into the bark.
- Nesting – Flammulated Owls nest in cavities in dead trees. When perched at the cavity entrance, the owl’s plumage helps it disappear against the tree.
- Nighttime Hunting – At night when hunting, the mottled patterns help break up the owl’s shape in moonlight and shadows.
Flammulated Owls also have very short ear tufts that contribute to their overall camouflage. The flame-like appearance of their feathers allows Flammulated Owls to avoid detection from both prey and predators.
Plumage Similarities With Other Owls
The Flammulated Owl shares some plumage similarities with related owl species:
- Western Screech-Owl – Also has intricate streaking and barring on underparts.
- Whiskered Screech-Owl – Similar reddish facial disc but lacks extensive flame patterns on body.
- Northern Pygmy-Owl – Related tiny owl with brown streaked plumage but lacks orange hues.
However, the combination of flame-like orange and black patterning found on the Flammulated Owl is distinctive and separates it from other small owl species in western North America.
Male vs Female Plumage
Both male and female Flammulated Owls exhibit the same cryptic flame-patterned plumage. The sexes appear identical in their coloring and markings. Even experienced birders have difficulty distinguishing the sexes without seeing a pair together.
In some owl species, females are larger and darker than males. But in Flammulated Owls, the male and female are practically indistinguishable based on looks alone. The best way to determine the owl’s sex is by the pitch of its territorial hooting.
Juvenile vs Adult Plumage
Juvenile Flammulated Owls hatch with downy white feathers. Their initial plumage is quite different than the orange and black patterned adults:
- Gradually molt from white down to gray juvenile plumage.
- Heavily streaked and mottled brownish-gray overall.
- Lack rusty orange colors when young.
- Develop subtle flame-like patterns starting at 3-4 weeks old.
- Achieve full adult plumage by 12 weeks old.
The juvenile owl’s muted gray hues serve as camouflage while it is still in the nest before it can fly. Once it fledges and becomes independent, its adult plumage develops rapidly.
Geographic Variation
Across the Flammulated Owl’s broad range in western North America, its flame-patterned plumage remains relatively consistent without significant geographic variation:
- Pacific Northwest – More boldly barred undertail coverts.
- Southwest US – Paler orange hues on average.
- Mexico – Slightly more vivid reddish tones.
But overall the species exhibits little regional differences in plumage across populations. Flammulated Owls look essentially identical throughout their range from British Columbia to Mexico.
Seasonal Molting
Flammulated Owls molt once a year in late summer/early fall after breeding:
- Shed old worn feathers August-October.
- Grow fresh plumage before winter.
- Molting concentrated on body and head feathers.
- Flight feathers molted sequentially over 2+ months.
- Both sexes molt on same schedule.
This annual molt maintains the owl’s cryptic flame-patterned plumage in quality condition. Without molting, their feathers would degrade and become less effective camouflage.
Diet & Habitat
Flammulated Owls prey mainly on nocturnal forest insects like moths and beetles. Their choice of prey helps explain their habitat and camouflage:
- Hunts along forest edges and openings.
- Perches on branches searching for passing insects.
- Flame patterns blend in among tree bark and dappled moonlight.
- Ambushes insects in short fast flights from perches.
The Flammulated Owl’s flame-like plumage pattern matches its preferred habitat and conceals it from sight as it hunts night-flying insects.
Conclusion
The Flammulated Owl gets its vivid name from the unique flame-like patterns on its feathers created by intricate combinations of orange, black, red and gray. This cryptic coloration allows it hide against tree bark and shadows in the forests it inhabits. Both sexes and the juveniles exhibit this distinctive plumage that sets the Flammulated Owl apart from other small owl species. This flame-colored camouflage helps the nocturnal hunter ambush insects without being detected.