Tropical Screech-Owl (Megascops choliba)

Identification & Behavior: ~22 cm (8.6 in). The Tropical Screech-Owl has gray and reddish color morphs. All morphs have yellow iris and relatively pale eyebrows. The length of the feathered ear tufts is variable. It favors forest edges and second growth, therefore is the most seen and photographed screech-owl around lodges, towns, and agricultural fields. It is similar to the Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl but is distinguished by favoring second growth and forest edges, and by having yellow iris in all color morphs. Most Tawny-bellied Screech-Owls have brown iris. Voice should be an important identification tool.

Status: The Tropical Screech-Owl is common in Amazonia. It has been recorded at elevations of up to 2300 m on the east slope of the Andes. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Lechuza Tropical.

Sub-species: Tropical Screech-Owl (Megascops choliba cruciger), Spix, 1824.

Meaning of Name: Megascops: Gr. Megas, megale= large, great and scops= an owl. In reference of Old World generally eared owls. choliba: Aragonese-Spanish, name Chóliba for the European Scops Owl.

See more of the Family Strigidae