Crested Owl from Peru.
Only species of the genus Lophostrix, from the Greek lophos= crest, and strix= owl.
If one looks closely, you can identify then from their ear tufts. 😉
The adult crested owls can either be a lighter reddish brown or a dark chocolate brown.
I’ll post some other photos of his in the comments.
No it’s not just a phase Mom !
If anything, they may be even wilder looking as grown ups!
He did dial in that look majestically!