Bare-shanked Screech Owl

The Bare-shanked Screech Owl, known scientifically as Megascops clarkii, is a nocturnal bird of prey belonging to the Strigidae family. This large owl is distinguished by its reddish-brown upper body adorned with intricate patterns of black spots, mottles, and vermiculations. A striking feature is its bare lower legs, which give this species its name.

Identification Tips

Adults measure between 23 to 25 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 173 to 190 millimeters, and weigh between 123 to 190 grams. The owl's hindneck is tinged with yellow, and its shoulders are marked by a white band edged in black. Flight feathers boast cinnamon-colored bars, while the tail displays a contrast of light and dark bands. The underparts are pale brown with a tan and yellowish hue, and the upper breast is partially white. The lower breast and belly exhibit dusky reddish-brown bars or black streaked markings. The facial disc is yellowish-brown with a dark ruff, and the eyes are a striking yellow. The bill can be greenish-grey or bluish-grey, and the thighs are mostly yellow. The toes are yellowish-pink with dark claws. Juveniles are whitish, turning cinnamon with white speckles and dusky bars as they fledge, and their underparts are dull-yellowish with yellowish-brown bars.

Habitat

The Bare-shanked Screech Owl inhabits dense, humid mountain forests, forest edges, and cloud forests at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 7,600 feet, occasionally reaching nearly 11,000 feet. It can also be found in thinner upland forests, provided there are patches of denser woodland.

Distribution

This species is endemic to Central and South America, with its range limited to Costa Rica, Panama, and the far northwestern regions of Colombia. Notable locations include the Monteverde Biological Reserve and Volcán Poás National Park in Costa Rica.

Behaviour

The Bare-shanked Screech Owl is a social creature, often found in family-sized groups, even during the breeding season. It is a nocturnal hunter, preferring the forest edges, clearings, and canopies for its nightly pursuits.

Song & Calls

The owl's vocalizations consist of short, low-pitched, steady whistles, with either the second or third note typically being the loudest. The female's call is notably higher in pitch than the male's.

Breeding

Breeding behavior has been scarcely studied, but it is known that the owl nests in tree cavities, particularly those found in oak trees. Egg-laying occurs from mid-February through May, with fledglings observed from May to August.

Diet and Feeding

The Bare-shanked Screech Owl preys on large insects, shrews, and small rodents, which it hunts at night.

Conservation status

While detailed studies on the conservation status of the Bare-shanked Screech Owl are limited, the IUCN Red List currently classifies it as Least Concern, indicating a relatively stable population.