Although the Flammulated Owl (Otus flammeolus) is thought to be considerably more common than once suspected (Marshall 1939; Winter 1974, 1979), new data are scarce. Winter (1974, 1979) has provided an excellent analysis of the species’ distribution and seasonal occurrence in California, but much remains to be learned about other aspects of its biology. This paper provides data on four previously unpublished distributional records, three nesting attempts in nest boxes, and further information on body weight and molt.
Observations of Flammulated Owls during this study were largely incidental to data collection for other field surveys: the Point Reyes Bird Observatory’s Beached Bird Survey; and the American Kestrel Nest Box Program of the Susanville District of the Bureau of Land Management. However, the two observations of birds in the Warner Mountains were obtained by deliberately setting mist nets for the species in suitable habitat.