White-throated Screech-Owl (Megascops albogularis)

Identification & Behavior: ~26 cm (10.2 in). The White-throated Screech-Owl is overall dusky with amber iris, white throat, and a rufous belly. Its plumage is distinctive and unlikely to be confused with other screech-owls but see the rare and range-restricted Cloud-forest Screech-Owl. The overall dusky color and white throat are diagnostics.

Status: The White-throated Screech-Owl occurs on the east slope of the Andes at elevations ranging between 1800-2,700 m. It also occurs in the humid montane forest of Piura and Cajamarca on the west slope of the Andes. The White-throated Screech-Owl also occurs in Co, Ec, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Lechuza de Garganta Blanca.

Sub-species: White-throated Screech-Owl (Megascops albogularis macabrus), Bonaparte, 1850. C & W Andes from Colombia and Ecuador S to N Peru (Cajamarca region).
(M. a. remotus), J. Bond and Meyer de Schauensee, 1841. E Andes from Peru S to C Bolivia (Cochabamba).

Meaning of Name: Megascops: Gr. Megas, megale= large, great and scops= an owl. In reference of Old World generally eared owls. albogularis: L. albus, white; Mod. L. gularis throated, of the throat.

See more of the Family Strigidae