Para consultar el capítulo véase el libro con la clasificación EE 598.97098 N4, en SIBE-San Cristóbal

Disponible para usuarios de ECOSUR con su clave de acceso

The class Aves is very diverse being distributed in almost all environments. This is particularly true in the Neotropical region as it is characterized by wide extensions of humid tropical forests, high climatic heterogeneity, and an important geological history. This history has produced a high diversity of habitats resulting in great avian diversity. Approximately 3500–4037 species of birds have been reported in this region, of which 80 are owls. Nocturnal raptors have evolved to adapt and survive displaying nocturnal activity and mainly inhabiting forested environments. These adaptions have resulted in the evolution of unique morphological characteristics (e.g., forward-directed eyes and asymmetric ears). However, despite this diversity, little biological information has been published on these birds. More research is needed on the ecological requirements of this group allowing us to better establish strategies to conserve them. Inglés