Crested Owl

Haubenkauz ( Lophostrix cristata )

The Haubenkauz ( Lophostrix cristata ) is the only species of the genus Lophostrix within the authentics owls ( Strigidae ). This medium sized owl lives in the rainforests of Central and South America.

Features

The Haubenkauz reached an average size of 40 centimeters. The species is recognizable by its wide, white " eyebrows " that run from the center of the face to the ear tufts. The plumage is otherwise brown, the back side is much darker. The belly and the chest are provided with a dark brown mottling. The eyes of the Central American subspecies Lophostrix cristata knitting landi are yellow -orange, the dark brown of the South American animals. The face is dark brown to almost black.

Distribution and habitat

The Haubenkauz lives in humid rain forests of Central and South America. The subspecies Lophostrix cristata knitting landi from southern Mexico southward comes in all rain forests of Central America as well as in Costa Rica. Lophostrix cristata Wedeli lives in northern South America and Central America to Panama. South of the distribution you will find the third subspecies and the nominate cristata cristata Lophostrix. The distribution ranges from levels at sea level up to the cloud forests at 2,000 meters asl.

Way of life

Although the type is not uncommon in some parts of Mexico and Costa Rica, is relatively little known about the habits of the animals. They are strictly nocturnal and feed mainly on large insects ( primarily beetles) and other arthropods, especially millipedes. They also hunt small mammals. The animals hunt mostly in the interior of the forest and on the banks of rivers and lakes.

The breeding season begins in February and ends in May. Here, the Haubenkauz is a cavity nesters and builds its nest mainly in hollow trees. The boy left the parents in September.