The flamingo is no doubt one of the most popular animals of the zone, it is invaluably atractive, however this is not the only beautiful bird around the Atacama desert. Another good example is the Pequen or owl.

Although the Pequen can be seen on the coast from the Iº Region to the city of Valdivia in the South of Chile, it also likes to inhabit open and dry grounds in foothills, with altitudes above 2.000 meters from the sea. It is  brown with white spots, with big yellow eyes and a small beak. It is approximately 26 cms tall.

In general it is easy to be seen, because as opposed to other owls, this one is the less nocturnal going out at day as much as at night. It’s location is rather comfortable, resting above a hill or post, from where it observes calmly for any small rodent or beetle to feed from. And there is nothing the Pequen will not see, as it can turn its head  360º!

Source: Aves de Chile
Picture: Juan Tassara