Rufous-banded Owl
The Rötelkauz (Strix albitarsis ) is a species of the family of authentics owls ( Strigidae ). It is found only in South America. He was formerly placed in the genus Ciccaba, but is expected in the recent literature on the genus Strix.
Features
With a height of about 30 to 35 centimeters of Rötelkauz is missing a medium sized ears Article spring within its genus. The face veil is reddish and goes around the eyes in black over; He also has pale, concentric lines and a gray border. The body top is dark brown with reddish brown spots and transverse stripes, the underside whitish with reddish and dark brown longitudinal and transverse stripes. The eyes are orange-yellow.
Confusion possibilities especially with the White-throated Screech-Owl, which is, however, smaller and darker and has a conspicuous white throat. The Zebrakauz is much darker and has a plumage with fine white lines on. The South - Sprenkelkauz has brown eyes and with him missing on the body bottom longitudinal and transverse stripes.
Area of distribution and habitat
The distribution area extends in a narrow band from Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador to the extreme northwestern Peru and from there along the eastern slopes of the Andes to the south of Bolivia. The Rötelkauz is a sedentary bird that inhabits dense mountain and cloud forests at altitudes of 1700-3700 meters.
Way of life
The Rötelkauz is a crepuscular and nocturnal species, on the very little is known. Ornithologists Claus König, Friedhelm Weick and refer to him in their monograph published in 2008, as almost completely unknown ( "virtually unknown" ). It is believed that he feeds on small mammals and insects. About the reproductive biology nothing is known. Young birds have been observed in Venezuela but in the month of August and in Colombia in June.
System
The Rötelkauz was formerly in common with the also living in the tropical regions of South America Bindenhalskauz (Strix nigrolineata ), the Zebrakauz (Strix huhula ), the South America - Africa - Sprenkelkauz and the African Tawny Owl (Strix woodfordii ) in a separate genus Ciccaba provided, however, was dissolved and merged with the genus Strix.