The whiskered screech owl is a small screech owl found in North and Central America.
Region
Southwestern United States and Mesoamerica
Typical Environment
Found from southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico south through the highlands of Mexico to parts of Central America. It favors oak, pine–oak, and mixed montane woodlands, especially along shaded canyons and riparian draws. Roosts and nests in tree cavities, including old woodpecker holes, and uses dense foliage or vine tangles for cover. Locally common where suitable mid- to high-elevation woodland persists.
Altitude Range
1200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, nocturnal owl of montane pine–oak forests, the whiskered screech owl is named for the bristle-like feathers around its bill. It is often detected by its rapid, even series of hoots given from shaded canyons at night. It roosts quietly in tree cavities or dense foliage by day and can be surprisingly confiding when found.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with silent, agile glides
Social Behavior
Primarily solitary outside the breeding season, holding small nocturnal territories. Breeds in tree cavities, often reusing old woodpecker holes; typically monogamous. The female incubates while the male provisions, and both adults guard fledglings near the nest site.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a rapid, evenly spaced series of short hoots that accelerates slightly, giving a steady, pulsing rhythm. Calls are higher-pitched and more continuous than similar screech-owls. Soft trills and short whistles serve as contact and territorial notes.
Plumage
Finely mottled gray to brown plumage with dense, delicate barring and streaking; compact profile with prominent ear tufts.
Diet
Feeds mainly on nocturnal insects such as moths, beetles, crickets, and katydids, captured by perch-and-pounce or short sallies. Will take spiders and other arthropods and occasionally small vertebrates like small lizards or mice. Hunting is typically low to mid-canopy along forest edges and riparian corridors.
Preferred Environment
Forages from shaded perches within pine–oak and oak woodlands, canyons, and near streams. Frequently hunts along forest openings, trails, and clearings where insects concentrate.
