Whiskered Screech Owl

The Whiskered Screech Owl, Megascops trichopsis, presents itself as a diminutive and enchanting owl, with adults displaying two color morphs: a rich brown or a dark grey plumage. Its round head is adorned with ear tufts, and it possesses striking yellow eyes paired with a yellowish bill. This species bears a resemblance to the Western Screech Owl, yet it can be distinguished by more pronounced barring on the breast and a marginally smaller stature, measuring between 6.3 to 7.9 inches in length with a wingspan of approximately 17.3 inches.

Identification Tips

When endeavoring to identify the Whiskered Screech Owl, look for the characteristic ear tufts and the heavy barring across the breast. The yellow eyes and bill are also key features. Size can be a subtle clue, as this species is slightly smaller than its close relative, the Western Screech Owl.

Habitat

The preferred habitats of the Whiskered Screech Owl are dense coniferous or oak woodlands, as well as coffee plantations. These environments typically exist at higher elevations than those favored by the Western Screech Owl.

Distribution

This owl's range is quite extensive, stretching from the southeasternmost reaches of Arizona in the United States, through Mexico, and further south into Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and as far as north central Nicaragua.

Behaviour

The Whiskered Screech Owl is a master of the night, perching silently before swooping down on unsuspecting prey or adeptly snatching insects mid-flight. Its diet is primarily composed of small mammals and large insects, with a particular fondness for grasshoppers, beetles, moths, katydids, and even the occasional scorpion.

Song & calls

The nocturnal serenade of this owl typically consists of a sequence of about eight "boo" notes, with a slight rise in pitch towards the middle and a gentle drop at each end.

Breeding

Come April or May, the Whiskered Screech Owl lays a clutch of 3 to 4 eggs. Nesting sites are often found within tree cavities or repurposed woodpecker holes, strategically placed 5 to 7 meters above the ground.

Similar Species

The Western Screech Owl is the species most commonly confused with the Whiskered Screech Owl due to their similar appearance. However, the Western Screech Owl lacks the heavy breast barring and is slightly larger in size.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Whiskered Screech Owl is quite varied, including small mammals and a range of insects. They are particularly adept at hunting grasshoppers, beetles, moths, katydids, and scorpions, using their keen senses to detect prey in the darkness.

Conservation status

The Whiskered Screech Owl is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, for now, this species does not face any immediate threat of extinction.