West Peruvian screech owl

The West Peruvian screech owl or Peruvian screech owl is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is found in Ecuador and Peru.

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Distribution

Region

Tumbesian region

Typical Environment

Occurs in the arid and semi-arid lowlands and foothills of western Peru and southwestern Ecuador, especially in deciduous and thorny scrub woodlands. It frequents Prosopis (algarrobo) groves, cactus scrub, and dry riverine corridors with scattered trees. The species also uses edges of farmland and towns where cavity-bearing trees remain. By day it roosts close to trunks or within cavities, relying on cryptic plumage for concealment.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1600 m

Climate Zone

Arid

Characteristics

Size20–24 cm

Wing Span50–60 cm

Male Weight0.12 kg

Female Weight0.14 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The West Peruvian screech owl is a small, ear-tufted owl of the Tumbesian dry forests of western Peru and southwestern Ecuador. It typically roosts in tree cavities or dense foliage by day and becomes active at dusk. Its call is a soft, bouncing series of trills and hoots, and pairs often duet. It tolerates semi-urban edges and agricultural mosaics where remnant trees persist.

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with quick, low dashes between perches

Social Behavior

Usually encountered singly or in pairs, becoming most vocal at dusk and early night. Pairs are presumed monogamous and nest in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes. The male often provisions the incubating female and later the chicks.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A soft, bouncing series of hoots and trills, often accelerating and slightly descending. Pairs may duet antiphonally, with one bird giving a trill and the other responding. Calls are most frequent at dusk and on moonlit nights.

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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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