Autillo Selvático
Tawny-bellied Screech-owl
Megascops watsonii
Song
Tawny-bellied Screech-owl
Appearance: The Tawny-bellied Screech Owl is a small owl, measuring about 21 to 26 cm (8.3 to 10.2 inches) in length. It has a distinctive appearance with a tawny to rufous-brown belly, which gives it its name. The upper parts are mottled in shades of brown and gray, providing excellent camouflage in its natural habitat. The owl has a rounded facial disc, bright yellow eyes, and noticeable ear tufts that can be raised or lowered. Its underparts are streaked and barred, with a prominent white throat patch.
Habitat: The Tawny-bellied Screech Owl primarily inhabits: Tropical and Subtropical Forests: It prefers dense, humid forests, often found in lowland areas but can also occur in foothill forests. Altitude Range: It can be found at elevations ranging from about 900 to 2,200 meters (2,950 to 7,200 feet), predominantly in the Andean region and adjacent foothills.
Behavior: The Tawny-bellied Screech Owl is primarily active at night, hunting for food and communicating during the hours of darkness. Its diet consists mainly of small mammals, birds, and insects. It often hunts from a perch, swooping down to catch its prey. Known for its varied calls, it emits a series of deep hoots and whistles that serve as communication signals, particularly during the breeding season.
Breeding: The breeding season typically occurs from **March to August** in Colombia, though this may vary based on local conditions. Tawny-bellied Screech Owls usually nest in tree cavities or hollows, where the female lays about 2 to 4 eggs. The female incubates the eggs for approximately **26 to 30 days**, and both parents are involved in caring for the young after hatching.
Conservation Status: The Tawny-bellied Screech Owl is classified as **Least Concern** on the IUCN Red List.
Distribution
The Lowlands from E Colombia
Taxonomy
The Tawny-bellied Screech-owl (Megascops watsonii)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Strigiformes
- Family: Strigidae
- Genus: Megascops
- Species: Megascops watsonii
Vocalization
Hooting Calls: The primary vocalization consists of a series of deep, resonant hoots. These calls can be expressed as a rhythmic sequence, often described as “whoo-whoo” or “hoo-hoo.”
- The calls typically feature a **two-note pattern**, with the first note being softer and the second being more pronounced, which can be rendered as “hoo-HOO.”
Variations in Calls: The Tawny-bellied Screech Owl may vary its hoots based on context, such as during mating or territorial defense, leading to different inflections and intensities in their calls.
Soft Whistles: In addition to hoots, this owl may produce softer, whistling calls or quiet trills used primarily in close communications, particularly between mated pairs or when interacting with young.
Alarm Calls: When feeling threatened, the Tawny-bellied Screech Owl can emit **sharp, quick calls** designed to signal distress to other owls and deter potential threats.
Mating Calls: During the breeding season, vocalizations are crucial for attracting mates and establishing territory. -
Territorial Claims: The distinctive hooting serves to assert dominance in a territory, communicating presence and deterring rival owls.
Communication Among Pairs: Calls help maintain contact between mated pairs, especially important during hunting or when caring for their young. -
Parent-Offspring Interaction: Softer calls can be used by parents to communicate with fledglings, offering guidance and reassurance in their surroundings.
