From Bjorn Olesen
The Unspotted Saw-whet Owl is a small nocturnal raptor species. It is a Middle American endemic, restricted to humid pine-oak and cloud forests, and feeds small vertebrates such as rodents, small birds, and bats. Knowledge of the natural history of Unspotted Saw-whet Owl is very limited.
At Paraiso Quetzal Lodge - Km 70, San José, Costa Rica
I don’t think we’ve covered this little one yet!
This is an Unspotted Saw Whet. It is found in southern Mexico through Panama. It is cousin to our OotY, the Northern Saw Whet. Unlike the Northern SW, not much is known about the Unspotted.
The buff colored belly is very reminiscent of a young Northern Saw Whet.
The Unspotted has more of a sliced fruit undergoing enzymatic reaction face. 😅
It does seem to lack that innocent and childish look of the Northern.
This USW looks a little happier. I’m not sure if there’s just less “cute” photos due to it being more remote, or if it has more of a 'tude than its Canadian cousin.
Good to see that bewildered look on one. They are still cute, but perhaps not as cute.
It feels like the prototype, while the Northern is the finished product. The essential bits are there, but they’re kinda crude in comparison.
Like the wing pattern and the face are just very plain compared to the Northern. There’s nothing wrong with the Unspotted, but everything on the Northern feels like it would be counted as an upgrade if you were speccing one out.
Enzymatic reaction XD
I felt a little bad saying it, but an apple or potato that gets left on the counter too long was the first thing that came to mind!