The mottled owl is nocturnal bird of prey being territorial. It occurs from Mexico, throughout Central America, northern South America to northeastern Argentina and eastern Paraguay and in all regions of Brazil, from sea level to 3700 meters above sea level. It inhabits a variety of wooded habitats, including tropical rainforest. It is a midsized owl that lacks ear tufts and is brown above and whitish below with dark streaking, dark eyes, a yellow bill. It is a predatory species with a varied diet, ranging from larger insects, such as beetles and grasshoppers, to small mammals, bats, small reptiles, including poisonous snakes, amphibians and probably birds. Resident, with evidence that adults maintain same home range and territory for multiple seasons.
