Whiskered Screech-owl
Least ConcernMegascops trichopsis
Visual Identification
Whiskered Screech-owl
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
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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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.
Lifespan
years
The Whiskered Screech-owl typically lives for 8 to 12 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their distinctive trill call at night, especially during breeding season
- Look for them perched motionless in dense foliage or near tree trunks
- Search for pellets or whitewash beneath potential roosting sites
- Use a flashlight to spot their reflective eyes in low-light conditions
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Trichopsis Screech-owl
Family:
StrigidaePredators
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.
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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.
Similar Birds
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Megascops trichopsis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22688766A93208062.
View source - 3
report, 2007: BBS/CBC data: Butcher and Niven
- 2
website, 2022: Partners in Flight
View source