Yungas Screech Owl

Overview

The Yungas screech owl (Megascops hoyi), also known as the montane forest screech-owl, is a species of owl found in Argentina and Bolivia. It is currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Measures 23 to 24 cm in length and weighs 110 to 145 g.
• Occurs in brown, gray, and rufous morphs, with upperparts featuring dark vermiculation and streaks.
• Has a gray-brown facial disc, white brows over bright yellow eyes, and small ear tufts.
• Underparts are light gray to gray-brown with an ochre wash, and the breast and flanks display prominent black streaks.
• Pairs duet with a song that begins softly, swells into a rapid staccato of 'u' notes, and tapers off, with the female's voice being higher pitched.

Habitat

Found in moist montane and cloud forest characterised by tall trees and epiphytes, generally ranging from 1,000 to 2,600 m in elevation. Its distribution spans south-central Bolivia's Cochabamba Department into northwestern Argentina, reaching as far as Tucumán and possibly Catamarca Provinces. Though mostly sedentary, birds nesting at higher elevations are thought to move lower in winter.

Diet

Forages on and near the ground, along forest edges, and in the upper canopy. Its diet consists mainly of insects and spiders, with some small vertebrates also taken.

Did you know?

The species is considered somewhat protected by the inaccessibility of parts of its range.