Birds
Black-and-white Owl
Ciccaba nigrolineata
Barred in bold black and white from head to tail, a black-and-white owl slips silently through humid Neotropical forest after dark, hunting bats and large insects with a low, resonant call announcing its presence.
Overview
The black-and-white owl, Ciccaba nigrolineata, is a Least Concern bird of prey found across humid lowland and foothill forest from Mexico through Central America into northern South America. Its bold black-and-white barring, round unmarked face, and strictly nocturnal habits make it one of the more visually distinctive forest owls in the Neotropics.
A pattern built for the night
The sharp contrast of the black-and-white owl’s barred plumage might seem conspicuous, but against the dappled shadows of a forest canopy at night, the pattern helps break up its outline as it moves silently between perches in search of prey.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable humid forest habitat throughout its range from Mexico to northern South America.
Black-and-white Owl: common questions
Why is it called the black-and-white owl?
It shows striking black-and-white barred plumage across its entire body, a bold pattern that gives the species its common name and makes it easy to identify when seen well.
What does the black-and-white owl eat?
It is a carnivore, hunting bats, large insects, and small mammals during nocturnal flights through forest canopy and understory.
Where is the black-and-white owl found?
It ranges across humid lowland and foothill forest from Mexico through Central America into northern South America.
Does the black-and-white owl have ear tufts?
No, it has a plain, rounded facial disc without ear tufts, a feature shared with several other Neotropical forest owls.