Rufescent Screech-Owl (Megascops ingens)

Identification & Behavior: ~26.5 cm (10.4 in). The Rufescent Screech-Owl has gray and rufous color morphs. The upperparts are dusky brown. The underparts are vermiculated and can be brownish or rufous. The iris is always dark. It has a pale nuchal collar, vestigial ear-tufts, and no black facial discs. It is similar to the Cinnamon Screech-Owl, but these species are likely to overlap only within the limited range of the Cinnamon Screech-Owl. The Rufescent Screech-Owl is less rufous-cinnamon, lacks the black or dusky facial discs, and generally ranges at lower elevations. The voice, elevation, and range should be considered for proper identification.

Status: The Rufescent Screech-Owl is uncommon in the humid montane forest of the east slope of the Andes at elevations ranging between 1000-2300 m. It also occurs in Co, Ec, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Lechuza Rojiza.

Sub-species: Rufescent Screech-Owl (Megascops ingens ingens), Salvin, 1897.

Meaning of Name: Megascops: Gr. Megas, megale= large, great and scops= an owl. ingens: L. ingens,ingentis=  enormous, huge, great.

See more of the Family Strigidae