Daily Postcard: A rare sighting of a Mexican Spotted Owl is observed Sunday as it perches on the branch of a pine tree in Los Alamos. The Mexican spotted owl, one of the largest owls in North America, is listed as a threatened species by both the U.S. and Mexican governments. Source: nps.org. Mexican Spotted Owls are a subspecies of spotted owl and although the smallest among the spotted owls, it is one of the largest owls found in North America. The nocturnal subspecies is known as a ‘perch and pounce’ predator since it locates its prey from a high perch, then pounces on it and holds its prey with its talons. It is solitary except for interactions with its mate and young ones. Adult males and females use a signal call to mark and defend their territories. Mated pairs use a whistling sound to stay in contact while four hooted notes are used when the male delivers food to his partner. Roosting members often preen themselves and each other. Source: fws.gov. Habitat loss from timber-management practices and wildland fires have caused declines in the Mexican Spotted Owl population. Consequently, it was listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1993. Source: birdconservancy.org. Photo by Greg Noeninckx