Tumbes screech owl
| Tumbes screech owl | ||||||||||
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| Megascops pacificus | ||||||||||
| ( Hekstra , 1982) |
The Tumbes screech owl ( Megascops pacificus ) is a species from the family of real owls . It occurs exclusively in South America.
Appearance
With a height of about 19 centimeters, the Tumbes screech owl is a rather small species within its genus. It has relatively short, pointed feather ears . The face veil is limited by an indistinct, darker feather edge. The species occurs in two color morphs. In addition to a gray morph, there is a red-brown, which is more common overall. The underside of the body has noticeable vertical stripes. The eyes are yellow. The legs are feathered down to the toes. The claws are relatively weak.
Within its range, the mountain forest screech owl can be confused with several other owl species. The Peru Screech Owl is slightly larger and has a slightly longer tail. The Koepcke-Kreischeule as the white-throated Kreischeule significantly greater than the Tumbes-Kreischeule.
distribution and habitat
The Tumbes screech owl occurs only in a small area in eastern South America. It inhabits the coastal plains of northwestern Peru and southwestern Ecuador. She is probably a resident. Their habitat are arid areas of the tropical zone. It occurs in open landscapes, which are made up of cacti, bushes and individual trees. Occasionally it also uses human habitat.
Way of life
The Tumbes Screech Owl is a nocturnal species of owl. It transmits in the thick foliage of bushes and trees or in small caves. Their prey spectrum is probably predominantly dominated by insects. Very little is known about reproductive biology. A single nest was found in a tree hole.
supporting documents
Single receipts
literature
- Claus König , Friedhelm Weick: Owls of the World . Christopher Helm, London 2008, ISBN 978-0-7136-6548-2