Western Screech Owl
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| Megascops kennicottii (Elliot, 1867) |
The Western Screech Owl, Megascops kennicottii, is a small owl. It is closely related to the European Scops owl and the North American Eastern Screech Owl.
Adults have either brown or dark grey plumage with streaking on the underparts. They have a round head with ear tufts, yellow eyes and a yellowish bill. They were previously considered to be the same species as the Eastern Screech Owl.
Their breeding habitat is open deciduous or mixed woods in western North America. They nest in a cavity in a tree or cactus, often using old woodpecker holes.
They are permanent residents.
These birds wait on a perch and swoop down on prey; they may also catch insects in flight. They mainly eat small mammals and large insects, also small birds. They are active at night or near dusk, using their excellent hearing and night vision to locate prey.
The call is a series of short whistles at an increasing tempo or a short then long trill.
The scientific name commemorates the American naturalist Robert Kennicott.
[edit] References
- BirdLife International (2004). Megascops kennicottii. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
- "National Geographic" Field Guide to the Birds of North America ISBN 0-7922-6877-6
- Handbook of the Birds of the World Vol 5, Josep del Hoyo editor, ISBN 84-87334-25-3
- "National Audubon Society" The Sibley Guide to Birds, by David Allen Sibley, ISBN 0-679-45122-6
