Whiskered Screech-Owl - Megascops (Otus) trichopsis

The Whiskered Screech-Owl is similar to the Western Screech-Owl although is slightly smaller and has noticeable "whiskers". However, they can only be reliably distinguished in the field by their calls. Here you will find photos, recordings and a brief field notes section to help identify and enjoy this beautiful owl. A more in depth write up and range map can be found in its natural history page (the Biology link). To jump immediately to any of these sections use the Page Jump Links below.

Separation in the field, of the Screech-Owls, is actually only feasible by voice. The Whiskered Screech-Owl can be distinguished by its slower more evenly spaced notes in its call in contrast with the Western Screech-Owl's speeded up "bouncing ball". This owl is primarily found in Southern Arizona and Mexico and typically at a higher elevation than Western Screech-Owl. The sexes are alike in appearance although male and female can be distinguished by voice. The ear tufts may or may not be visible in the field although are smaller than the Western Screech-Owl's. The color of the U.S. (Arizona) birds are generally light gray but become increasingly reddish brown into its southern range in Mexico. The bill is pale grayish yellow or dull green and the iris of the eyes are yellow. Length is 7 1/4" (about the size of a Bluebird) so it is also smaller than the Western Screech-Owl. (In the hand, a Whiskered Screech-Owl can also be distinguished by its shorter toes and bill along with other minor differences not readily visible in the field.) A nocturnal owl.