Whiskered Screech-owl Bird Facts (Megascops trichopsis)

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Whiskered Screech-owl is a small owl with prominent ear tufts and distinctive facial whiskers. Its plumage is mottled brown and grey, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. The eyes are yellow, and the facial disk is framed by dark edges.

Females are noticeably larger than males. Otherwise, both sexes are similar in plumage, with no significant seasonal variations. Juveniles resemble adults but may have a slightly fluffier appearance and less defined facial markings.

Size

Length

18cm to 23cm

Wingspan

48cm to 56cm

Weight

100g to 160g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Brown Grey

Secondary Colour

White Buff

Beak Colour

Grey

Leg Colour

Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Whiskered Screech-owl can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Whiskered Screech-owl is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Whiskered Screech-owl is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Whiskered Screech-owl is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Whiskered Screech-owl is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Whiskered Screech-owl is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Whiskered Screech-owl is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Whiskered Screech-owl is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Whiskered Screech-owl is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Whiskered Screech-owl is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Whiskered Screech-owl can be found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Whiskered Screech-owl is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Whiskered Screech-owls inhabit montane forests and woodlands across a range extending from the southwestern United States through Mexico to northern Nicaragua. They show a preference for pine-oak and pine-fir forests at elevations between 600 and 2,950 meters.

In the United States, they are found in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico, where they are year-round residents. Their presence in these areas makes them a target species for birdwatchers visiting the region.

Arizona’s mountain ranges from the Santa Catalinas south all have resident whiskered screech-owls, with good sighting spots at Bear Canyon, to the north of Tucson, Madera Canyon in the Santa Ritas, Miller Canyon in the Huachucas and Cave Creek Canyon in the Chiricahuas.

Elevation Range

600 to 2,950 meters

Climate zones

Subtropical, Temperate

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Whiskered Screech-owl. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons

Resident

Breeding

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Mexico Nicaragua

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season

United States of America

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Whiskered Screech-owl demonstrates remarkable agility, capable of swift and precise movements when hunting. Their ability to catch bats in flight and swoop down on prey from perches showcases their exceptional manoeuvrability.

Strength 40

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

As a small owl species, the Whiskered Screech-owl possesses moderate strength relative to its size. While capable of capturing small mammals and birds, their primary prey consists of insects, indicating a strength level suited to their ecological niche.

Adaptability 75

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

These owls exhibit good adaptability, thriving in various montane forest types across a wide elevation range (600 to 2,950 metres). Their ability to utilise both natural cavities and nest boxes for breeding further demonstrates their adaptable nature.

Aggressiveness 60

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Whiskered Screech-owls display moderate aggressiveness, particularly during breeding season when defending territory. Their variety of vocalisations, including screeches when alarmed, suggests a readiness to confront threats, though they are not known for exceptional aggression.

Endurance 70

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Their nocturnal hunting habits and ability to maintain territories in challenging montane environments indicate good endurance. The Whiskered Screech-owl's capacity to care for young over an extended period (incubation plus several weeks of post-fledging care) also suggests respectable stamina.

Diet

The Whiskered Screech-owl's diet consists primarily of large insects such as moths, beetles, centipedes, and grasshoppers. They also prey on small mammals, including mice and voles, as well as small birds and reptiles, particularly further to the south.

These owls have been observed catching bats in flight, showcasing their agile hunting skills.

Behaviour

Whiskered Screech-owls are primarily nocturnal, roosting in dense foliage or tree cavities during the day. They hunt from perches, swooping down to capture prey on the ground or in mid-air.

These owls are generally solitary but may form monogamous pairs during breeding season.

Vocalisation

The Whiskered Screech-owl's primary call is a series of hollow, whistled notes that accelerate into a trill, often described as "hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo." This call becomes more frequent during breeding season.

They also produce a variety of other vocalizations, including barks, whistles, and screeches when alarmed or defending territory.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding season for Whiskered Screech-owls typically begins in late winter or early spring. Males attract females with their distinctive trilling calls, and pairs form monogamous bonds.

These owls nest in natural tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes, occasionally using nest boxes where available. The female lays 2-4 white, round eggs directly on the wood chips at the bottom of the cavity.

Incubation lasts about 26-28 days, primarily carried out by the female while the male provides food. The young fledge after approximately 28-30 days but may remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern ^[1]

While the Whiskered Screech-owl is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation in parts of its range.

Conservation efforts focus on preserving montane forest habitats and monitoring population trends across its distribution.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

200,000 mature individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Trichopsis Screech-owl

Family:

Strigidae

Average Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Predators

Main predators of Whiskered Screech-owls include larger owls, such as Great Horned Owls, as well as hawks, raccoons, and snakes.

Did You Know?

Whiskered Screech-owls have asymmetrical ear openings, which helps them pinpoint the location of sounds with remarkable accuracy.
Their name comes from the bristly feathers around their beak, which resemble whiskers.
These owls can turn their heads up to 270 degrees, allowing them to survey their surroundings without moving their bodies.

FAQs

What is a Whiskered Screech-Owl?

Whiskered Screech-owls are forest-dwelling owls, found in the extreme southern regions of New Mexico and Arizona, and into Mexico, spreading into Central America as far south as Nicaragua. Their name comes from the bristle-tipped feathers that are visible on their faces.

What is the difference between Whiskered and Western screech-owls?

Whiskered screech-owls resemble the gray morph western screech-owls, but are slightly smaller and have smaller feet. They also have bolder cross-barred markings on the breast, similar to those of eastern screech-owls.

The two species have a small overlap of ranges, although western screech-owls are found in a wider geographical area, while whiskered screech-owls are only present in a limited region of the United States, immediately across the borders of New Mexico and Arizona, but largely confined to a strip of central-northwestern Mexico.