Megascops barbarus
The Bearded Screech Owl (Megascops barbarus) is a diminutive and enigmatic owl species native to the high-altitude cloud and pine-oak forests of southern Mexico and Guatemala. Measuring just 16-20 cm (6-8 inches) in length with a wingspan of 40-45 cm (16-18 inches), its cryptic grayish-brown plumage is intricately streaked and barred, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. Distinctive field marks include its bright yellow eyes, subtle ear tufts, and most notably, the fine, stiff da...
This specialized owl inhabits moist montane evergreen and pine-oak forests, particularly thriving in cloud forest ecosystems at high elevations. It is typically found between 1,200 and 2,500 meters (4,000-8,200 feet) above sea level, preferring areas with dense canopy cover.
The Bearded Screech Owl's diet consists mainly of large insects such as moths, beetles, and crickets, which it captures by gleaning or aerial pursuit. Occasionally, it will supplement its diet with small vertebrates like lizards or rodents.
Exclusively nocturnal, the Bearded Screech Owl spends its days roosting quietly amidst dense foliage, often close to the trunk of a large tree, where its cryptic plumage offers superb camouflage. Foraging primarily involves a sit-and-wait strategy from a low perch, although it will also glean ins...
The Bearded Screech Owl is geographically restricted to the highland regions of southern Mexico and Guatemala, exhibiting no significant migratory movements. In Mexico, its distribution includes mountainous areas of Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Veracruz, where it inhabits the Sierra Madre de Chiapas and ...
Least Concern
- Its common name directly refers to the distinctive, stiff dark bristles that encircle its bill, resembling a tiny beard. - This species is one of the smallest members of the *Megascops* genus, making it particularly challenging to spot in its dense forest habitat. - Its primary call is often co...