Megascops gilesi
The Santa Marta Screech Owl, *Megascops gilesi*, is a small, enigmatic owl species endemic to the isolated Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta massif in northern Colombia. Measuring approximately 19-20 cm in length, it exhibits two primary color morphs: a grey-brown variant and a less common rufous morph, both intricately patterned for superb camouflage. Distinctive field marks include pale yellow eyes, short ear tufts, and a finely streaked, patterned plumage with a pale V-shaped marking on its for...
Found exclusively in high-elevation montane humid and cloud forests, often favoring forest edges and clearings, typically between 1,800 to 2,500 meters (occasionally up to 3,000 meters) above sea level.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on large insects such as moths, beetles, and crickets, which it catches by gleaning from vegetation or hawking in flight; occasionally preys on small vertebrates.
This nocturnal raptor is primarily active from dusk till dawn, spending its days roosting quietly and perfectly camouflaged among dense foliage close to tree trunks. Its foraging strategy is typical of screech owls, acting as a sit-and-wait predator, pouncing on prey from a perch. Territorial beh...
The Santa Marta Screech Owl is strictly endemic to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta massif in northern Colombia, South America. Its entire known range is confined to this single, isolated mountain system, primarily on the western and northern slopes. There is no breeding or wintering range distin...
Endangered
- The Santa Marta Screech Owl was only formally described as a distinct species in 2017, making it one of the newest avian discoveries for science in recent times. - It is named in honor of Robert Giles, a dedicated conservationist who championed the protection of the Santa Marta Mountains. - Thi...