The long-tufted screech owl is a species of "typical owl" in the subfamily Striginae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.
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
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
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.
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.
Plumage
Mottled gray-brown to rufous with heavy streaking below and fine vermiculations; dense camouflage pattern blends with bark. Facial disc is grayish with a darker rim and a small whitish throat patch. Ear tufts are long and prominent, often held erect when alert.
Diet
Primarily takes large insects such as moths, beetles, and orthopterans, hawking from low to mid-level perches. It also captures small vertebrates including rodents, small birds, frogs, and lizards when available. Prey is usually taken by short sallies or pounces to the ground or nearby branches. It swallows smaller items whole and caches larger prey on branches.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along forest edges, riparian corridors, clearings, and lightly wooded farmland where perches overlook open patches. It often forages near lights that attract insects and along quiet roads at night.
