Megascops guatemalae
The Middle American Screech Owl (*Megascops guatemalae*) is a cryptically plumaged, small owl of the Neotropics, typically measuring 19-23 cm in length with a wingspan of 45-50 cm and weighing between 85-120 grams. Its coloration is highly variable, ranging from rufous to brown or gray morphs, intricately patterned with dark streaks, vermiculations, and bars that provide superb camouflage against tree bark. Distinctive field marks include its small size, often-flattened ear tufts, bright yell...
This species primarily inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland and montane forests, woodland edges, and sometimes plantations, from near sea level up to elevations of approximately 2000 meters.
Its diet primarily consists of large insects such as moths, beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets, supplemented with small vertebrates like lizards, small rodents, and occasionally small birds, typically captured through a sallying technique from a perch.
The Middle American Screech Owl is primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, becoming active at dusk and remaining so through the night, often roosting inconspicuously in dense tree foliage or tree cavities during the day. It employs a "sit-and-wait" foraging strategy, perching silently on branches an...
The Middle American Screech Owl (*Megascops guatemalae*) is a resident species distributed throughout a significant portion of Central America, extending from southern Mexico, specifically Oaxaca, Chiapas, Tabasco, and Veracruz, southwards. Its range continues through Guatemala, Belize, El Salvad...
Least Concern
- The Middle American Screech Owl is a master of camouflage, with its intricately patterned plumage allowing it to virtually disappear against tree bark during daylight hours. - Identification of this species often relies more heavily on its distinct vocalizations than on visual cues, as many *Me...