Rufescent Screech Owl

Overview

The rufescent screech owl (Megascops ingens) is a species of owl in the family Strigidae found in South America. It is considered a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, although its population is believed to be decreasing due to deforestation.

Identification

• Overall length of 25 to 28 cm with males weighing 134–180 g and females 140–223 g.
• Sandy brown upperparts with darker vermiculation, a sandy brown facial disc without a distinct rim, and honey brown eyes.
• Small ear tufts and cinnamon flight feathers and tail marked with darker bars.
• Territorial song described as a series of flute-like, staccato notes that rise to a higher pitch, accompanied by a courtship song of weak notes followed by hoots.

Habitat

Inhabits a wide variety of forest types in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela, including mature evergreen and secondary forest, forest edges, and pastures with scattered trees. It is found at elevations ranging from 700 to 2,450 m, accepting fragmented habitats.

Diet

This nocturnal owl is assumed to feed on larger insects and spiders, with at least one small vertebrate noted as prey. Its specific hunting techniques have not yet been documented.

Did you know?

The subspecies M. i. columbianus, found on the western slope of the Andes, was formerly considered a distinct species known as the Colombian screech owl. Unlike the nominate and Venezuelan subspecies, the tarsi of M. i. columbianus are not fully feathered.