Long-tufted Screech Owl
Megascops sanctaecatarinae
The Long-tufted Screech Owl (Megascops sanctaecatarinae) is a rare owl found in 3 countries, weighing about 180 g. The long-tufted screech owl is a species of "typical owl" in the subfamily Striginae.
About the Long-tufted Screech Owl
The long-tufted screech owl is a species of "typical owl" in the subfamily Striginae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The long-tufted screech owl is 25 to 28 cm (9.8 to 11 in) long. Males weigh 155 to 194 g (5.5 to 6.8 oz) and females 174 to 211 g (6.1 to 7.4 oz). It is a fairly large and bulky member of Megascops, with stronger feet than most others. It occurs in three color morphs of which the brown one predominates over the gray and rufous. It has very prominent "ear" tufts. The upperparts of the common morph's adult are dark brown with pale, coarse, indistinct vermiculation; its crown is somewhat lighter. The brown facial disc has a darker border. Voice: The male long-tufted screech owl's primary song is "a guttural, fast trill...lasting from c. 5–10 seconds and ending suddenly". The female's is similar but shorter and higher pitched. The male's secondary song is "short fast notes that become longer and more spaced, in reversed bouncing-ball rhythm". The female's is very different, a "loud, hoarse, extraordinary, 'bababa...
Where it lives
When to see it
The Long-tufted Screech Owl can be seen all year round, with peak activity in November. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Long-tufted Screech Owl?
- The long-tufted screech owl is 25 to 28 cm (9.8 to 11 in) long. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Long-tufted Screech Owl?
- The Long-tufted Screech Owl is a medium sized bird weighing about 180 g.
- Where can you see a Long-tufted Screech Owl?
- The Long-tufted Screech Owl occurs in 3 countries, including Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina.
- What birds look similar to a Long-tufted Screech Owl?
- The Long-tufted Screech Owl is most easily confused with the West Peruvian Screech Owl, the Foothill Screech Owl and the Santa Marta Screech Owl.
- Is the Long-tufted Screech Owl endangered?
- The Long-tufted Screech Owl is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Long-tufted 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 BeakBrainEvery 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.