Balsas Screech Owl

The Balsas screech owl, a rather robust member of the Megascops genus, presents itself with a stately posture, measuring between 24 to 27 cm in length and tipping the scales at a modest 150 to 174 grams. Its plumage is a tapestry of grayish brown, adorned with brownish markings and a distinctly darker border framing its facial disc. The owl's "ear" tufts are notably short, and its crown is etched with darker streaks, while the upperparts boast a subtle pinkish hue, embellished with dark streaks and assorted marks. When the wings are closed, one can observe two bands of whitish spots, adding to the bird's intricate patterning. The underparts offer a contrast, being lighter than the upperparts, and are decorated with narrow dark streaks and a delicate vermiculation.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Balsas screech owl, look for its grayish brown facial disc with a darker border and short "ear" tufts. The crown and upperparts share this grayish brown coloration but are distinguished by a pinkish blush and dark streaks. The two bands of whitish spots on the closed wing are also key identification markers. The underparts are paler with fine dark streaks.

Habitat

The Balsas screech owl is a denizen of arid open and semi-open landscapes, favoring deciduous woodlands peppered with cactus, thorn forests, and secondary forests. It is also known to inhabit tropical scrublands and the peripheries of cultivated lands.

Distribution

Endemic to the interior southwestern regions of Mexico, the Balsas screech owl's territory is anchored around the valley of the Balsas River, stretching from southern Jalisco southeastward into central Guerrero. It thrives at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,500 meters.

Behaviour

This nocturnal predator's hunting strategies remain a mystery, though it is known to feast on a diet comprising insects, other arthropods, and small vertebrates.

Song & calls

The Balsas screech owl communicates through a territorial song that can be described as a series of gruff notes that accelerate into a trill, reminiscent of a bouncing ball. Additionally, a series of gruff, screaming 'whinny' trills may serve as a courtship song.

Breeding

Details on the breeding habits of the Balsas screech owl are scarce, but it is believed to nest in cavities within trees and cacti, akin to its congeners.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Balsas screech owl as Least Concern, although its population numbers are not well documented and are suspected to be declining due to habitat loss and degradation.