Bare-shanked Screech-Owl
NameBare-shanked Screech-Owl
Common NameBare-shanked Screech-Owl
Scientific NameMegascops clarkii
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)52
Length (cm)24.5
Weight (g)145
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is predominantly rufous-brown, finely vermiculated and streaked with darker brown and black, providing excellent camouflage. It has a rufous facial disc, bright yellow eyes, and notably unfeathered tarsi (shanks), which gives the species its common name.
Vocalization / CallIts primary call is a distinctive series of short, accelerating hoots, often described as a 'bouncing ball' or a rapid, descending trill.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico in the United States, extending south through the Sierra Madre Occidental in Mexico to Guatemala.
Identifying Featuresbright yellow eyes, rufous-brown plumage, unfeathered tarsi, montane forest habitat, distinctive hooting call
Description
This medium-sized screech-owl is characterized by its rufous-brown plumage and striking yellow eyes. It is a nocturnal predator, primarily hunting insects and small vertebrates in its montane forest habitat.
