Alternative name: Variable Screech-Owl
- Megascops atricapilla
Otus atricapilla
Identification
23 cm: a medium Screech Owl
Found in dark, grey, and red color morphs, all with dark to blackish crown. All over it is finely vermiculated. Upperside darker than underside, with vent area palest. Eyes often dark brownish but may be amber or yellow to golden.
Similar species
Black-capped Screech Owl is smaller but has tufts as long as Long-tufted Screech Owl. Ranges of these two species are adjacent (parapatric). Black-capped Screech Owl is more finely patterned, not so coarse dark blotches.
Distribution
South-eastern Brazil, Paraguay, and very northernmost Argentina; north of Long-tufted Screech Owl.
Taxonomy
Long-tufted Screech Owl was previously included under this species.
This and almost all Screech Owls in the Americas have previously been considered to belong in the same genus (Otus) as the European and Asian Scops-Owls, but a reassignment to Megascops have been accepted by among other authorities, the American Ornithologists' Union.
Habitat
Forests, mostly interior of extensive primary or secondary rainforests, but sometimes along edge. Not very tolerant of cold, occur where there are maximally 10 days of frost per year.
Behaviour
Nocturnal, spending the day in tight foliage or in tree cavities -- all breeding occur is such hollow trees. Described as tolerant to other members of its own species (even to the extent of two males singing in the same tree) and not shy.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, B.L. Sullivan, C. L. Wood, and D. Roberson. 2012. The eBird/Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to October 2012. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/downloadable-clements-checklist
- König, C. and F. Weick 2008. Owls of the World, second edition. Christopher Helm, London. ISBN 978-0-7136-6548-2
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2021) Black-capped Screech Owl. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 29 April 2021 from https://www.birdforum.net/wiki/Black-capped_Screech_Owl
