Chocó screech owl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chocó screech owl |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Megascops
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| Species: |
centralis
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| Synonyms | |
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Otus centralis |
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The Chocó screech owl (Megascops centralis) is a small owl found in parts of Central and South America. It lives in humid forests from central Panama down to western Ecuador. This owl is known for its unique calls and its ability to blend into its forest home.
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About the Chocó Screech Owl
How Scientists Classify This Owl
Scientists who study animals often group them in different ways. The Chocó screech owl's classification has changed over time. It used to be thought of as part of other owl species. But now, most scientists agree it's its own special species, Megascops centralis. This means it's a unique type of owl.
What Does It Look Like?
The Chocó screech owl is about 20.5 to 27 centimeters (8 to 10.5 inches) long. This is roughly the size of a small ruler. Some of these owls can weigh around 106 to 121 grams (3.7 to 4.3 ounces).
They come in different colors, like gray or reddish-brown. Some owls have colors that are in between these two.
- The gray owls have a grayish-white face. They have dark lines and a faint dark edge.
- Above their yellow or red-orange eyes, they have light eyebrows.
- They also have short "ear" tufts, which are feathers that stick up.
- Their upper body is brownish-gray with black and buff spots.
- When their wings are folded, you can see white spots along the edge.
- Their chin is white. The rest of their underside is white or buffy-white. It has thin black lines and gray spots.
- The reddish-brown owls are rufous-brown on top. They have fewer spots than the gray owls. Their undersides are shades of brown.
Where Does It Live?
The Chocó screech owl lives in a narrow strip of land. This area stretches from central Panama into northwestern Colombia. It also goes into western Ecuador. These owls prefer to live inside or near the edges of humid forests. They can be found in both old, untouched forests and newer, growing forests. They usually live in lowlands and foothills. Sometimes, they can be found as high as 1,575 meters (5,167 feet) in southwestern Ecuador. However, they are usually found below 1,000 meters (3,280 feet).
Chocó Screech Owl Behavior
What Does It Eat?
The Chocó screech owl is often found in the middle part of the forest. This is called the mid-story. Scientists don't have many observations of how it hunts. However, like other screech owls, it probably eats large insects and small animals.
How Does It Raise Its Young?
The Chocó screech owl seems to breed between January and March. This is based on one nest that was found. Scientists also found a female owl with an egg that was partly formed. The nest was in a natural hole inside a dead tree trunk. The bottom of the hole had bark, wood dust, dry leaves, and pieces of eggshell. It also had remains of the owl's prey.
What Does Its Song Sound Like?
Most screech owls have two main songs: one for marking their territory and one for finding a mate. But the Chocó screech owl seems to have only one song. It is described as a "short, fast trill." The song starts on an even note and then drops in pitch. The loudness of the song changes as it goes on.
Protecting the Chocó Screech Owl
The Chocó screech owl's conservation status is not assessed separately by the IUCN. It is grouped with another owl, the Middle American screech owl. These owls seem to be able to handle some changes to their habitat. However, they are not found in small forest areas surrounded by farms. This means protecting their forest homes is very important for their survival.
