Blackcap Screech Owl
| Blackcap Screech Owl | ||||||||||
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Blackcap Screech Owl |
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| Systematics | ||||||||||
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| Megascops atricapillus | ||||||||||
| ( Temminck , 1822) |
The black-capped screech owl ( Megascops atricapillus ) is a species from the family of real owls. It occurs exclusively in South America.
Appearance
With a height of about 23 centimeters, the black-capped screech owl is a medium-sized species within its genus. The skull is blackish, the feather ears are relatively conspicuous and the eyes are brown. The plumage color is relatively variable. Gray, dark gray, and maroon morphs can appear in the same region.
The black-capped screech owl can be confused with several other screech owls. The Santa Catarina Screech Owl is slightly larger and has more strongly developed claws. The Choliba screech owl is slightly smaller and has short feather ears and yellow eyes.
distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the black cap screech owl extends from eastern Brazil to the province of Santa Catarina. It is also found in the east of Paraguay and in the northeast of Argentina. Presumably she is a resident bird. The habitat are spacious tropical forests with dense undergrowth. The presence of old trees with corresponding tree hollows is important for colonization by black-cap screeching owls. The altitude distribution ranges from sea level to altitudes of 250 meters above sea level.
Way of life
The black-capped screech owl is a nocturnal owl. It transmits in the thick foliage of trees or in caves. The food spectrum consists mainly of insects such as cicadas, moths and beetles. It also eats spiders and is likely to beat small vertebrates as well. It nests in tree hollows. The clutch usually consists of two to three eggs. The female breeds alone. During the breeding season it is supplied with food by the male.
supporting documents
Single receipts
- ↑ König et al., P. 302
literature
- Claus König , Friedhelm Weick: Owls of the World . Christopher Helm, London 2008, ISBN 978-0-7136-6548-2