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Whiskered Screech-Owl Similar Species Comparison

Main SpeciesWhiskered Screech-Owl

  • Whiskered Screech-Owl Adult

    Adult

    A small screech-owl with whiskerlike extensions to feathers around the eyes and bill, a yellow-olive bill, orange-tinged eyes, and feathered toes. The more common gray morph is typically gray with some rusty coloration, but a brownish variant also occurs.

    © Blair Dudeck / Macaulay LibraryOaxaca, February 08, 2020
  • Whiskered Screech-Owl Adult

    Adult

    Coarse blackish markings give a spotted—rather than streaked—appearance.

    © Alfredo Garcia / Macaulay LibraryNuevo León, July 30, 2016

  • Adult

    Both sexes sing a short series of 5–7 notes, all on the same low pitch.

    © Owen Sinkus / Macaulay LibraryNew Mexico, June 12, 2020
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  • Whiskered Screech-Owl Adult

    Adult

    During the daytime often roosts next to a tree trunk or in dense foliage.

    © Eric van den Berghe / Macaulay LibraryFrancisco Morazán, September 01, 2016
  • Whiskered Screech-Owl Adult

    Adult

    Occurs in forest and woodland habitats, including sycamore-dominated canyons.

    © Amanda Guercio / Macaulay LibraryArizona, April 04, 2015
  • Whiskered Screech-Owl Adult

    Adult

    Short ear tufts are often not visible.

    © Jay McGowan / Macaulay LibraryArizona, July 30, 2016
  • Whiskered Screech-Owl Adult rufous morph

    Adult rufous morph

    A rufous morph occurs primarily from central Mexico southward, often in shaded cloud forest.

    © Venus Medina / Macaulay LibraryLa Paz, October 07, 2017
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    Species in This Family

    Owls(Order: Strigiformes, Family: Strigidae)

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