Flammulated owls in northwestern California

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Marcot, Bruce G.; Hill, Randy

Source:

Western Birds, Western Field Ornithologists, Volume 11, Issue 3, p.141-149 (1980)

Call Number:

A80MAR02IDUS

URL:

https://sora.unm.edu/node/122127

Keywords:

Flammulated Owl, Otus flammeolus

Abstract:

Habitat selection and distribution of the Flammulated Owl (Otus flammeolus) in California is incompletely known. Grinnell and Miller noted only two locations in the northeastern part of the state. Johnson and Russell provided records of at least 33 individuals in seven additional northeastern California locations. The most comprehensive survey to date has been by Winter, reporting 59 specimen and 89 sight records since 1860 in California. Two of the records Winter reported for the northwestern portion of the state are from Humboldt County and five are from Trinity County. We collected records (visual or aural) in these two counties and conducted springtime, nocturnal surveys of Flammulated Owls, mostly on the Six Rivers National Forest during 1976-1980. The surveys were made primarily in potential timber sale areas. We elicited Flammulated Owl responses with recorded calls or vocal imitations of this and other owl species, at half-mile intervals along trails or roads. Flammulated Owls responded readily to Spotted Owl calls which we often used. The surveys were made in conjunction with a study of Spotted Owls, and were conducted April to June under varying lunar phases and times of the night. Most surveys were conducted on fairly calm, clear nights. To date, we have compiled previously unreported records of 75 territorial male Flammulated Owls.