West Peruvian Screech Owl

Overview

The West Peruvian screech owl, or Peruvian screech owl (Megascops roboratus), is a species of owl found in Ecuador and Peru. The IUCN lists the species as Least Concern, though it is considered overall rare and potentially vulnerable due to habitat loss.

Identification

• Length of 18 to 22 cm, with the pacificus subspecies being smaller and lighter than the nominate roborus.
• Exists in gray and rufous morphs; the gray morph features a grayish facial disc with a black border, white brows, and small ear tufts, while the rufous morph is pale rufous with dark brown markings.
• The nominate song is a trill of equally spaced notes that increases in volume toward the end, whereas the pacificus song is a similar trill that rises in volume and drops slightly in pitch at the end.

Habitat

The pacificus subspecies inhabits dry coastal scrub and deciduous forest near the coast, while the nominate roborus is found inland in dry deciduous woodland on mountain slopes and hills. Elevations range from sea level for the coastal form to as high as 2,100 m for the inland form in Peru.

Diet

The West Peruvian screech owl is strictly nocturnal and its diet consists mostly, and possibly exclusively, of insects.

Did you know?

The nominate subspecies has been documented to potentially reuse old nests of the Pale-legged Hornero (Furnarius leucopus), alongside nesting in tree cavities.