Black-capped Screech Owl

Megascops atricapilla

Least ConcernRareInvertebratesForestCavity nestMedium · 119 g

About the Black-capped Screech Owl

The black-capped screech owl, or variable screech owl, is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The black-capped screech owl is 22 to 23 cm (8.7 to 9.1 in) long. Males weigh 115 to 140 g (4.1 to 4.9 oz) and females up to 160 g (5.6 oz). It occurs in brown, rufous, and gray morphs. All have a light facial disc with a distinct dark border, a blackish crown, and prominent "ear" tufts. Their eye color ranges from dark brown to amber. The brown morph's upperparts are dark brown with pale mottling and vermiculation. The folded wing shows a line of pale spots. The underparts are paler with irregular markings. The other two morphs are redder and grayer respectively. Voice: The black-capped screech owl's primary song is "a long fast trill, very faint before increasing in volume, ending abruptly". Its secondary song is short, with a "bouncing-ball rhythm". Both sexes sing in duet and the female's voice is higher pitched.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the Black-capped Screech Owl sounds like

Recording: maria belotti · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto

Where it lives

Regular range

When to see it

Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Learn the Black-capped Screech Owl for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

Play BeakBrain

Every photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.