Foothill Screech-Owl (Megascops roraimae)

Identification & Behavior: ~21 cm (8.2 in). The Foothill Screech-Owl has gray and rufous color morphs. The iris is always Amber. It does not have a pale nuchal collar. The facial discs are fringed with gray. It has conspicuous white spots on the folded wing coverts. Both Rufescent Screech-Owl and Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl have dark and brown iris. The Tropical Screech-Owl has facial discs fringed with black and is larger. The voice, elevation, and range should be considered for proper identification.

Status: The Foothill Screech-Owl is uncommon within a narrow band of 600-1700 m along the foothill of the Andes. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Lechuza Submontana.

Sub-species: Foothill Screech-Owl (Megascops roaraimae), Chapman, 1928.

Meaning of Name: Megascops: Gr. Megas, megale= large, great and scops= an owl. roraimae: originating from or in reference to the mountains of Roraima or Cerro Roraima, British Guiana, Guyana, and Venezuela.

Formerly known as Megascops guatemalae napensis (2018).

See more of the Family Strigidae