Black-banded Owl

The Black-banded Owl occurs patchily in the humid lowland and foothill forests of eastern Ecuador, typically below 1,400 meters, where it favors mature forest interiors and dense riparian vegetation. It is generally rare and elusive, with few confirmed sightings, often detected only by its distinctive vocalizations during nocturnal surveys. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a broad but poorly understood range across northern South America, though its secretive habits and habitat specificity suggest potential vulnerability to deforestation. Natural history observations remain limited, but it is known to be entirely nocturnal, feeding on small vertebrates and insects, and nesting in tree cavities within undisturbed forest.