Rufescent Screech-Owl
NameRufescent Screech-Owl
Common NameRufescent Screech-Owl
Scientific NameMegascops rufescens
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)42.5
Length (cm)21.5
Weight (g)100
Plumage DetailsOverall rufous-brown plumage, heavily mottled and streaked with darker brown and black, providing excellent camouflage. The facial disc is rufous with a darker rim, and the eyes are dark brown to black. It possesses indistinct ear tufts, and its underparts are paler, often buffy or whitish, with streaking.
Vocalization / CallA series of soft, purring hoots or trills, often accelerating towards the end, described as a 'purring trill'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Andes mountains of South America, ranging from southern Colombia through Ecuador, Peru, and into Bolivia.
Identifying FeaturesRufous-brown plumage, Dark eyes, Small size, Indistinct ear tufts, Montane forest habitat
Description
The Rufescent Screech-Owl is a small, nocturnal owl characterized by its rich rufous-brown plumage and dark eyes. It inhabits humid montane forests, where it hunts insects and small vertebrates.
