Choco Screech Owl

Overview

The Chocó screech owl (Megascops centralis) is a small owl species distributed across central Panama, northwestern Colombia, and a narrow band in western Ecuador. Although its taxonomic history involves various classifications, it is currently recognised as a distinct monotypic species by several major authorities.

Identification

• Length between 20.5 and 27 cm with a weight of approximately 107 to 122 g.
• Possesses gray and rufous color morphs, with the gray morph featuring a grayish-white facial disc, blackish bars, and short ear tufts.
• Underparts are white to buffy with narrow black bars, while the upperparts are brownish-gray mottled with black and buff.
• Song consists of a single short, rapid trill that starts on an even pitch and drops, with varying volume.

Habitat

This species inhabits the interior and borders of humid primary and secondary forests in lowlands and foothills. Its range extends from central Panama through northwestern Colombia to western Ecuador, typically below 1,000 m in elevation, though it reaches 1,575 m in southwestern Ecuador.

Diet

The diet is assumed to consist of large invertebrates and small vertebrates, similar to other Megascops screech owls. While the owl is usually found in the forest mid-story, its specific foraging behavior has not been documented.

Did you know?

Unlike most other screech owls that possess distinct territorial and courtship songs, the Chocó screech owl appears to have only a single type of song.