Bearded Screech Owl

The bearded screech owl, Megascops barbarus, is a diminutive owl, the smallest of its genus in North America. It exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females slightly larger and heavier than males. The species is characterized by two color morphs, a light gray-brown and a darker reddish variant, with females more frequently displaying the reddish plumage. Both morphs possess a yellow eye, a greenish bill, and unfeathered pink toes.

Identification Tips

To identify the bearded screech owl, look for a small owl with a length of 16 to 20 cm. The wings extend past the tail, and the underparts are pale with darker markings that create an ocellated effect. The facial disc is gray-brown, encircled by blackish brown. The reddish morph is less distinct in its spotting and ocellated appearance compared to the gray-brown morph.

Habitat

This species thrives in humid temperate montane forests, including pine-oak, oak, and cloud forests. It is adapted to a range of elevations, typically found between 1,800 and 2,500 meters.

Distribution

The bearded screech owl is native to the highlands of central Chiapas, Mexico, and extends into central and western Guatemala.

Behaviour

The bearded screech owl is a nocturnal predator, feeding predominantly on arthropods such as beetles, crickets, moths, roaches, spiders, and scorpions. It hunts from a perch, swooping down to capture prey on the ground, which it consumes on the spot. This owl is a year-round resident within its range.

Song & calls

The owl's territorial song is a soft, low-pitched trill lasting 3-5 seconds, with a rise and drop at the end. Both sexes sing, with the male's song being lower in pitch. They also emit a soft, ventriloquial "hu."

Breeding

Territorial in nature, the bearded screech owl breeds from March to June. Nesting occurs in natural tree cavities, with a single instance of a reddish female brooding a gray chick recorded.

Conservation status

The bearded screech owl is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with an estimated population of at least 20,000 mature individuals. However, the population is believed to be in decline, and in Mexico, the species is listed as endangered due to extensive deforestation. The total range is estimated at about 9,800 km².