Crested Owl Lophostrix cristata Scientific name definitions

The Crested Owl is a distinctive forest owl with spectacular, protruding white ear tufts that contrast with its otherwise dark plumage. It is most often detected by call, a deep, rolling growl repeated regularly. It often occurs at forest edges and clearings or along watercourses, where it apparently forages for large arthropods and perhaps small vertebrates. It is widespread from Mexico south to N Bolivia and central Brazil.