Lesser Horned Owl

Identification

The lesser horned owl is a large South American owl measuring about 45 centimetres (18 inches) in length, with birds from the northern parts of its range being noticeably larger than their southern counterparts. Its most distinctive features are the prominent ear-like tufts on its head and broad wings, which give it a powerful silhouette in flight. The plumage is predominantly grey-brown but varies considerably between individuals, with pale underparts marked by narrow grey-brown bars and dark blotches across the breast. Look for the striking black border framing the facial disc and the white stripes above its penetrating yellow eyes.

Confusion with the great horned owl is possible, but the lesser horned owl is noticeably smaller, with weaker feet and bill, narrower barring on the underparts, and shorter ear-tufts. Once you hear the distinctive call—a deep double-note followed by a loud, vibrating note—identification becomes straightforward. Indigenous peoples know this owl well and named it "tucúquere," an onomatopoetic reference to its haunting vocalization.

Range & Habitat

This species is endemic to southern South America, with a range extending from central Peru and western Bolivia southward through the length of Chile and western Argentina, reaching as far as the windswept landscapes of Tierra del Fuego. The lesser horned owl is highly adaptable, inhabiting open forests, scrubland, farmland, and grassland across this vast geographic spread. Its presence across such diverse terrain and latitude makes it one of the region's most widespread large raptors.

Behaviour & Diet

The lesser horned owl is primarily nocturnal, hunting over open country under cover of darkness. Rodents form the foundation of its diet, but this opportunistic predator also takes other mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects depending on availability. Its hunting strategy exploits the open habitats it favours, allowing it to spot prey moving across exposed ground.

Breeding birds nest on cliffs or crevices between rocks, taking advantage of elevated, protected sites. The female typically lays two or three eggs and undertakes all incubation duties while the male provides sustenance, delivering food throughout this demanding period. This parental investment strategy is typical of large owls and ensures the female maintains optimal condition for egg production and chick-rearing.

Best Time & Places to See It

Your best opportunities to encounter a lesser horned owl are in open, sparsely vegetated landscapes throughout its range in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina, particularly in western regions. Night-time is when this species is most active, making nocturnal excursions essential for sightings. Listening for the distinctive deep hooting call after dark will often lead you to this elusive owl. The species' use of cliff faces and rocky outcrops as nesting and roosting sites means searching rocky terrain during daylight may reveal roosting birds.

Photography Tips

Photographing the lesser horned owl requires patience and nocturnal capabilities. If you locate a roosting bird during the day, approach carefully to avoid disturbance and use telephoto lenses to maintain distance. For night photography, headlamp spotting combined with infrared or thermal imaging equipment offers the best chance of capturing this nocturnal hunter. The owl's striking facial disc and ear-tufts are particularly photogenic, so frame your shots to emphasize these features when conditions allow.