Peruvian Screech-Owl (Megascops roboratus)

Identification & Behavior: ~19.5 cm (7 in). The Peruvian Screech-Owl has gray and reddish color morphs. All color morphs have a yellow iris. The length of the ear tufts is variable. It has a pale nuchal collar. It is the only screech-owl in the semi-deciduous forests of Northwest Peru. It is very similar to the Koepcke’s Screech-Owl but is distinguished by ranging at lower elevations, having a nuchal collar, smaller size, and less prominent marking on the belly. The voice, elevation, and range should be considered for proper identification.

Status: The Peruvian Screech-Owl is restricted to elevations below 1000 m in the semi-deciduous forests of the northwestern lowlands and part of the Marañon Drainage. It also occurs in Ec.

Name in Spanish: Lechuza Peruana.

Sub-species: Peruvian Screech-Owl (Megascops roboratus pacificus), Hekstra, 1982. SW Ecuador and extreme NW Peru (S to Lambayeque).
(M. r. roboratus), Bangs and Noble, 1918. Extreme S Ecuador and NW Peru between W & C Andes (drainage of R Chinchipe and R Marañón).

Meaning of Name: Megascops: Gr. Megas, megale= large, great and scops= an owl. In reference of Old World generally eared owls. roboratus: L. roboratus= strong.

See more of the Family Strigidae