Black-capped Screech-Owl
Megascops atricapilla
Silhouette: Jason Dilworth · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderStrigiformes (Owls)
- FamilyStrigidae (Typical Owls)
- GenusMegascops (Screech-Owls)
- SpeciesMegascops atricapilla (Black-capped Screech-Owl)
About the Black-capped Screech-Owl
The black-capped screech owl (Megascops atricapilla), or variable screech owl, is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. The black-capped screech owl is monotypic. It is part of a complex of species that includes the Santa Marta screech owl (M. gilesi), West Peruvian screech owl (M. roboratus), tawny-bellied screech owl (M. watsonii), and perhaps other undescribed species.
The black-capped screech owl is 22 to 23 cm (8.7 to 9.1 in) long. Males weigh 115 to 140 g (4.1 to 4.9 oz) and females up to 160 g (5.6 oz). It occurs in brown, rufous, and gray morphs. All have a light facial disc with a distinct dark border, a blackish crown, and prominent "ear" tufts. Their eye color ranges from dark brown to amber. The brown morph's upperparts are dark brown with pale mottling and vermiculation. The folded wing shows a line of pale spots. The underparts are paler with irregular markings. The other two morphs are redder and grayer respectively.
The black-capped screech owl is found in southeastern Brazil, southeastern Paraguay, and extreme northeastern Argentina. It... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Black-capped Screech-Owl in Iguazú National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Iguazú National Park
Tropical Screech-Owl
Megascops choliba
Burrowing Owl
Athene cunicularia
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl
Glaucidium brasilianum
Mottled Owl
Strix virgata
Rusty-barred Owl
Strix hylophila
Tawny-browed Owl
Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana
Black Banded Owl
Strix huhula
Striped Owl
Pseudoscops clamator
Spectacled Owl
Pulsatrix perspicillata
Buff-fronted Owl
Aegolius harrisii
American Barn Owl
Tyto furcata
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iguaçu National Park | 🇧🇷 Brazil | |
| 2 | Iguazú National Park | 🇦🇷 Argentina | |
| 3 | Itatiaia National Park | 🇧🇷 Brazil | |
| 4 | Serra dos Órgãos National Park | 🇧🇷 Brazil | |
| 5 | Chapada Diamantina National Park | 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Black-capped Screech-Owl in Iguazú National Park?
Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Black-capped Screech-Owl sighting in Iguazú National Park, based on 126 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Black-capped Screech-Owl in Iguazú National Park?
July has the highest sighting rate for Black-capped Screech-Owl in Iguazú National Park in our monthly data.