Whiskered screech owl
The whiskered screech owl is a small owl native to North and Central America, found in dense woodlands and coffee plantations. It is distinguished by its heavier breast barring compared to the western screech owl and its distinctive "boo" call. The species primarily hunts small mammals and large insects at night or during twilight.
Key Facts
- ›Occurs in brown or dark grey plumage morphs.
- ›Has yellow eyes and a yellowish bill.
- ›Primarily eats small mammals and large insects like grasshoppers and beetles.
- ›Active at night or near dusk.
- ›Breeds in tree cavities or old woodpecker holes at higher elevations.
- ›Its call is a series of regularly spaced "boo" notes.
Whiskered Screech Owl
Dense Coniferous Woodlands, Oak Woodlands, Coffee Plantations
North America, Central America
Small Mammals, Large Insects, Grasshoppers, Beetles, Moths, Katydids, Scorpions
About Whiskered screech owl
The whiskered screech owl (Megascops trichopsis) is a small owl species found across North and Central America. It inhabits dense coniferous and oak woodlands, as well as coffee plantations, often preferring higher elevations.
Description and Identification
Adult whiskered screech owls are characterized by their round heads topped with ear tufts, bright yellow eyes, and a yellowish bill. They exist in two distinct color morphs, displaying either brown or dark grey plumage. A notable feature that helps differentiate them from the similar western screech owl is the presence of heavier barring on their breast. They measure between 16.0 to 20.0 cm in length with a wingspan of approximately 44.0 cm.
Range and Habitat
The geographical range of the whiskered screech owl extends from southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico in the United States, southward through Mexico and Central America, reaching as far as north central Nicaragua. Their preferred breeding habitat consists of dense woodlands, typically coniferous or oak forests, and cultivated areas like coffee plantations.
Behavior and Diet
These owls are primarily active during the night or near dusk. They employ a hunting strategy of waiting on a perch and then swooping down to capture prey, or they may catch food items in mid-flight. Their diet is varied, consisting mainly of small mammals and large insects. Common food sources include grasshoppers, beetles, moths, katydids, and scorpions.
Vocalizations and Reproduction
The most recognizable call of the whiskered screech owl is a series of about 8 regularly spaced "boo" notes, which are slightly higher in the middle and lower at each end. The breeding season typically occurs in April or May, during which they lay 3 to 4 eggs. Nests are usually constructed within tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, situated 5 to 7 meters above the ground.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a whiskered screech owl look like?
Adults have a round head with ear tufts, yellow eyes, and a yellowish bill. They can be found in either brown or dark grey plumage, with heavier barring on the breast than western screech owls.
Where can I find a whiskered screech owl?
These owls are found from southeastern Arizona and southwest New Mexico in the United States, south through Mexico and Central America to north central Nicaragua. They prefer dense coniferous or oak woodlands and coffee plantations.
What do whiskered screech owls eat?
Their diet mainly consists of small mammals and large insects. Common prey includes grasshoppers, beetles, moths, katydids, and scorpions.
When are whiskered screech owls most active?
Whiskered screech owls are active at night or near dusk. They use their keen hearing and night vision to locate prey during these times.
What is the call of a whiskered screech owl?
The most common call is a series of about 8 regularly spaced "boo" notes. The pitch is slightly higher in the middle and lower at each end.
Where do whiskered screech owls nest?
They typically nest in tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, usually located 5 to 7 meters above the ground. This nesting behavior occurs in their preferred woodland habitats.
When do whiskered screech owls lay eggs?
The breeding season for the whiskered screech owl is typically in April or May. During this time, they lay their eggs in prepared nest sites.
Related Owl species
Indian eagle-owl
The Indian eagle-owl, also known as the Bengal eagle-owl or rock eagle-owl, is a large horned owl species found in the scrub forests of the Indian subcontinent. Distinctive for its brown and grey plumage, a white throat patch with small black stripes, and prominent ear tufts, it is often seen in pairs and is known for its deep, resonant booming call heard at dawn and dusk.
Jungle owlet
The jungle owlet (Glaucidium radiatum), also known as the barred jungle owlet, is a small owl species native to the Indian subcontinent. It is characterized by its finely barred plumage, lack of a clear facial disk, and distinctive calls heard at dawn and dusk. This species inhabits a range of forest types and is typically detected by its vocalizations.
African barred owlet
The African barred owlet is a small owl species found across southern, central, and eastern Africa. It inhabits open woodlands and gallery forests, and is notable for being partly diurnal, often seen hunting during daylight hours. Its call is a distinctive purring sound, and it feeds on a variety of small prey.