The Tucúquere is a large owl, whose wingspan can reach 120cm and measures between 45 and 55 cm tall. It is greyish-brown in color with light bands all over the body. Their eyes are very large, with a very marked yellowish iris, and are characterized by having two large crests on their head. Its legs are completely covered with feathers, which ensure a silent flight when hunting its prey, which includes small mammals, birds, amphibians and invertebrates.
It can be found from sea level at 4,000 meters above sea level, from within Peru to Cape Horn, on both sides of the Andes mountain range. It inhabits very diverse environments, which include desert areas, wetlands, forests, scrublands, and steppes.
Photos:Pía Vergara @piavergarafotografia and Nicolás Lagos @nicolagos_s
Text: Nicolás Lagos @nicolagos_s