Whiskered Screech-Owl
NameWhiskered Screech-Owl
Common NameWhiskered Screech-Owl
Scientific NameMegascops trichopsis
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)44
Length (cm)18.5
Weight (g)75
Plumage DetailsMottled gray-brown plumage with fine streaking and barring across the body, providing superb camouflage. It has a whitish facial disc bordered by dark markings, and bright yellow eyes. Small, inconspicuous ear tufts are present.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a distinctive series of short, rapid hoots that accelerate into a trill, often likened to the sound of a bouncing ball.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the southwestern United States (primarily Arizona and New Mexico), extending south through Mexico and into parts of Central America, including Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Mottled gray-brown plumage, Yellow eyes, Small ear tufts, Whitish facial disc, Cryptic camouflage
Description
This small nocturnal owl is characterized by its cryptic gray-brown plumage, which provides excellent camouflage against tree bark. It has prominent yellow eyes and small ear tufts. Found in montane woodlands, it primarily preys on insects and small vertebrates.
