Autillo de Santa Marta
Santa Marta Screech-owl
Megascops gilesi
Song
Santa Marta Screech-owl
Appearance: The Santa Marta Screech-owl is a small-sized owl measuring 22 cm (8.7 in) in length. The plumage is a mix of brown, gray, and buff with intricate mottling that offers excellent camouflage against tree bark. It features a distinct facial disc and ear tufts, which contribute to its expressive appearance. The eyes are large and bright yellow, enabling effective night vision.
Habitat: The Santa Marta Screech-owl is endemic to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, where it inhabits: It prefers moist, dense cloud forests, often found at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,500 m above sea level. The owl is often located near dense vegetation, which provides suitable hunting and roosting habitats.
Behavior: This owl is nocturnal but may also exhibit crepuscular behavior, being active during twilight hours. Its diet mainly consists of small mammals, birds, and insects, which it captures from perches or by flying short distances. The Santa Marta Screech-owl produces a series of characteristic hoots.
Breeding: Breeding 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 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 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 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.
