Genus Megascops, Screech Owls, are small owls, around 24 cm., which stay hidden during the day, and are usually only heard at night. |
|
Split from the Vermiculated Screech Owl because of vocalization differences (shorter song). The two species split is somewhere in central Panama. Lacking black border to facial disk seen on Tropical Screech Owl (if you see one without hearing it). There is a grey morph that does appears to have a bit of a border to the facial disk (or maybe the few photos show a shadow), and a rufous morph. Rufous morph roosting. |
Widespread and common, and best identified by black border to facial disk, and the rising final note in song. A grey and a rufous owl at a typical roost site. Daytime shot from back. |
In IOC 9.1 the dark-eyed and less rufous Colombian Screech Owl was merged with this species. Found locally around 1500m. Not too vocal. Rufescent. |
Found on the eastern Andean slope on southeast Ecuador and northeast Peru. Also recorded in a few spots in northern Ecuador and Colombia. Note lack of white on belly (Ridgely). |
Very small, but one race (rightmost area on map in an inter-Andean valley) is larger. Comes in grey-brown and rufous morphs. Taxonomy uncertain, but looks like a Tropical Screech Owl. (HBW) |
|
Note dark border to facial disk similar to Tropical Screech Owl, but note tawny chest and orange (not yellow) eyes. The subspecies south of the Amazon is darker and has a brown and rufous morph (HBW). |