Flammulated Owls (Otus flammeolus) breeding in deciduous forests

Abstract

The first studies of nesting Flammulated Owls (Otus flammeolus) established the idea that the species needs ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests for breeding. In northern Utah, Flammulated Owls nested in montane deciduous forests dominated by quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides). No pines were present but scattered firs (Abies and Pseudotsuga spp.) were on the study plot and groves of firs existed nearby. Using nest boxes, Flammulated Owls nested 34 times in 5 years (1992-1996). Sixty-five percent of nests produced fledglings. Mean clutch size was 2.6 (range 2-4). On average, 2.1 young fledged per successful nest, and 1.3 were produced per nest attempt overall.

Parent Publication

• Biology and conservation of owls of the Northern Hemisphere: 2nd International symposium

Citation

Marti, Carl D. 1997. Flammulated Owls (Otus flammeolus) breeding in deciduous forests. In: Duncan, James R.; Johnson, David H.; Nicholls, Thomas H., eds. Biology and conservation of owls of the Northern Hemisphere: 2nd International symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-190. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station. 262-266.