Santa Marta Screech-owl
Autillo de Santa Marta
Megascops gilesi
Canto
Autillo de Santa Marta
Aspecto: El Autillo de Santa Marta es un búho de tamaño pequeño, que mide típicamente entre 22 y 25 cm (8,7 y 9,8 pulgadas) de largo. El plumaje es principalmente una mezcla de marrón, gris y beige con un moteado intrincado que ofrece un excelente camuflaje contra la corteza de los árboles. Presenta un disco facial distintivo y mechones de orejas prominentes, que contribuyen a su apariencia expresiva. Los ojos son típicamente grandes y de color amarillo brillante, lo que le permite una visión nocturna eficaz.
Hábitat: - El Autillo de Santa Marta es endémico de la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, donde habita: Prefiere bosques nubosos húmedos y densos, que se encuentran a menudo en elevaciones que van desde los 1.200 a los 2.200 metros sobre el nivel del mar. Maleza espesa:** El búho se encuentra a menudo cerca de vegetación densa, que proporciona hábitats adecuados para la caza y el descanso. ###
Comportamiento: Este búho es principalmente nocturno, pero también puede exhibir un comportamiento crepuscular, siendo activo durante las horas del crepúsculo. Su dieta consiste principalmente en pequeños mamíferos, aves e insectos, que captura desde perchas o volando distancias cortas. El Autillo de Santa Marta produce una serie de ululatos característicos. Estos sonidos son utilizados para comunicarse, particularmente durante el apareamiento o las disputas territoriales.
Breeding: Breeding typically occurs from March to June, although timing can vary based on local conditions. They are known to nest in tree cavities, where the female lays usually 2 to 4 eggs. The female incubates the eggs for about 28 days, and both parents participate in feeding and caring for the chicks after hatching.
Conservation Status: The Santa Marta Screech-owl is currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN.
Distribution
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta: The Santa Marta Screech-owl is found in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Mountain Range.
Taxonomy
The Santa Marta Screech-owl (Megascops gilesi)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Strigiformes
- Family: Strigidae
- Genus: Megascops
- Species: Megascops gilesi
Vocalization
Hooting Calls: The primary vocalization consists of deep, resonant hoots. This call is often described as a series of rhythmic, low-pitched sounds that can be rendered as "hoo-hoo" or "whoooo, whoooo."
- The sequence typically features a two-note pattern, where the first note is softer and the second note is more pronounced.
Variable Patterns: The Santa Marta Screech-owl may vary its calls based on context. For example, it might produce a more rapid series of calls during the breeding season or when establishing territory.
Contact Calls: Soft, whistling sounds may be produced during close-range communication, especially between mated pairs. These calls can help maintain contact without alerting potential predators.
Distress Calls: In situations of alarm or threat, the owl may emit sharp, quick calls designed to signal distress or warn others.
Mating Calls: During the breeding season, males use their vocalizations to attract females and establish their fitness as potential mates.
Territorial Calls: The hooting serves to announce presence and defend territory from other owls, helping prevent conflicts through vocal displays rather than physical confrontation.
Communication Among Pairs: Vocalizations facilitate communication between adult owls, helping them coordinate during hunting or while caring for their young.
Parent-Offspring Interaction: The calls may also serve to communicate between parent owls and their fledglings, offering guidance and reassurance during the early life stages.
Timing of Calls: The Santa Marta Screech-owl is primarily nocturnal, so its vocalizations are most frequent during the night, particularly around dusk and dawn when they are most active.
