Long-tufted screech owl

The long-tufted screech owl is a species of "typical owl" in the subfamily Striginae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.

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Distribution

Region

Southern Atlantic Forest and Pampas

Typical Environment

Occurs in southern and southeastern Brazil, northeastern Argentina, and Uruguay, especially in Atlantic Forest remnants, Araucaria-dominated highlands, and riparian woodlands. It also uses second-growth, forest edges, parklands, and rural mosaics with scattered trees. Plantations and shelterbelts can provide additional roosting and hunting sites. It avoids completely treeless open country but readily hunts along clearings and roadsides.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size23–28 cm

Wing Span50–60 cm

Male Weight0.15 kg

Female Weight0.18 kg

Life Expectancy10 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The long-tufted screech owl is a small, nocturnal owl famous for its conspicuously long ear tufts and well-camouflaged mottled plumage. It was once lumped with the tropical screech owl complex but is now widely recognized as a distinct species. It favors forest edges, riparian woods, and mixed farmlands, where it hunts quietly from perches. Its call is a tremulous series of notes that carries well on calm nights.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with silent glides

Social Behavior

Typically solitary outside the breeding season, maintaining territories with vocal displays at night. Nests in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, laying a small clutch that both parents guard. Roosts by day close to the trunk, relying on camouflage; pairs may roost near one another during breeding.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A soft, tremulous series of notes or trills, often accelerating slightly and falling in pitch. Also gives short whistles and quavering hoots during territorial exchanges. Calls carry well on calm nights and are most frequent around dusk and pre-dawn.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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