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Casper
Casper
is a female adult Flammulated Owl (Otus flammeolus) of unknown age. She was found near
the Seattle area in April of 2004 and spent two months with a
veterinarian there because of a wing injury. When she was well
enough, she was flown to us via Horizon Air. We are uncertain how
she sustained her injury but her left wing droops and she cannot
fly. As of November 2005 Casper became a resident in an education
program outside of WSU. |
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Flammulated Owls are small and reclusive.
They live in mature douglas fir and pine forests
with good understorage and
resemble pinecones. They will nest in tree cavities and will
often kick out flickers and woodpeckers and take over their nests. Flammulated owls can be found throughout the western U.S., summering north into Canada and wintering south into
Mexico. About 90% of their diet is made up of insects including beetles,
moths, and crickets, with the other 10% being small mice, shrews, and
occasionally small lizards.
These owls nest in semi colonial
breeding populations in June and lay 2 to 4 eggs, which are incubated for
21-24 days. The young birds fledge in about 3 weeks and become
independent of their parents at approximately 5 weeks. Juveniles are
grayish-white in coloring without streaks, but over time their coloring
will change to one of two color phases; the grey phase with grey-brown
markings, most often seen in birds of the northern regions; or the red
phase with cinnamon-brown markings, most often seen in birds inhabiting
the southern regions.
Their name comes from the Latin name flammeolus that means “the small
flame owl with horns”, referring to the flame-like markings down its
back. They have small black eyes and ear tufts, which they hold erect
when interested in something or when trying to blend in with their
surroundings to avoid being seen. Enemies of this owl include both
diurnal and nocturnal raptors, its best defense is its
impressive camouflage.
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