Stoke the Flame

By Shelby duPerier
Published in the Alpine Avalanche on January 9, 2025.

Welcome to camping season! In the fall and winter, locals and visitors alike turn to magical West Texas, home to vast desert land, rich riparian areas, and mountainous “sky islands” that erupt out of nowhere. Big Bend National Park and the Davis Mountains area, both popular camping destinations, are biodiversity hotspots boasting thousands of plant, animal, and bird species.  

But with cool days come even chillier nights, and what better way for campers to end a day at the park than with a warm, glowing fire? Unfortunately, with consistently low precipitation, unrelenting winds, and large fire-prone areas, a burn ban can often occur during an overnight stay in these Trans-Pecos parks. But what if I told you there was one flame you could stoke this entire camping season?  

Meet the flammulated owl, or Psiloscops flammeolus. The word flammeolus is Latin and translates to “flame-colored,” a reference to the reddish-orange streaks on the raptor’s feathers. It should be easy to spot, right? Not quite.

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Flammulated owls are the second smallest owl in North America, and their flame-speckled plumage is actually camouflage. During the day they are easily concealed among the aged bark of pines or firs and remain equally inconspicuous at night thanks to their completely dark eyes. These strictly nocturnal predators prefer to feast on nighttime insects, like moths, as they lurk high up in the treetops. The only thing that might give away this elusive owl’s location is yet another adaptation to blend in.  

Being tiny means flammulated owls are susceptible to predation, which is why they have an enlarged trachea, or windpipe. A distinct, low-pitched hoot – imagine blowing over the top of an empty glass bottle – creates the illusion of a much larger owl and aids in our identification of this species. Although it can be difficult to discern, learning their call is helpful for scientists and birders; some researchers have even learned to mimic territorial males to draw them out.  

Mimicking vocalizations makes it easier to capture and tag flammulated owls for further study, which is crucial for this migratory bird. They prefer to return to former nesting sites, which assists in their recapture and our understanding of their migratory patterns. But where exactly do they go and why? 

Envision a spark of an owl beginning its winter migration from as far north as southwestern Canada. Then, streaking from forest to forest (with a possible layover in one of our desert sanctuaries), it makes its way down through the westernmost United States and into mountainous parts of Mexico and upper Central America.  

They prefer breeding and nesting sites in arid coniferous forests at mid to high elevations, while stopover sites can vary from city parks to steep hillsides. Mature forests are especially favored by flammulated owls, which are secondary nesters. This means they cannot make their own nests, instead relying on pre-existing nesting cavities like those prepared by woodpeckers. 

While their range is extensive, little is known about the exact population size of flammulated owls. Therefore, based on their secretive and selective tendencies, they are believed to be at risk of decline due to climate change, urbanization, and logging practices.  

As flammulated owls move between breeding, nesting, and non-breeding sites, they require stable food resources and consistent habitat conditions. Extreme temperatures and insecticide/pesticide use could threaten their insect-dominant diet. Meanwhile, flammulated owl habitat is also at risk due to old-growth logging, habitat fragmentation, invasive species, and increased wildfire severity/frequency.  

So, how can you encourage this diminutive owl to keep burning bright? Firstly, obey all fire bans and practice safe, smart fire management. Secondly, get involved! Whether you are a researcher, educator, landowner, or concerned citizen, there are several ways you can take part in the conservation of our fiery friend.  

Contribute to conservation efforts by keeping track of your flammulated owl sightings via eBird, or by participating in bird surveys near you. Support owl research. Educate your friends about flammulated owl ecology. Protect flammulated owls as they migrate by turning off non-essential lights, keeping cats indoors, and avoiding pesticides/insecticides.  

But it doesn’t end there. Continuous research is necessary to understand indicator species, such as owls, that lend valuable insight into the health of our environment. However, you don’t have to be a scientist to appreciate the complexity of Earth’s ecosystems, nor do you have to conduct research to make a difference. Just gather underneath the Milky Way for a conversation about a brilliant little owl, and what starts as a small flame can be stoked into something much bigger and brighter.

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