The Yungas screech owl, also known as montane forest screech-owl and Hoy's screech owl, is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is found in Argentina and Bolivia.
Region
Central Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs along the humid eastern slope of the Andes in the Yungas of Bolivia and northwestern Argentina. It inhabits evergreen montane and cloud forests with dense understory and abundant epiphytes. The species uses forest edges, ravines, bamboo thickets, and second-growth near mature forest. It is typically associated with riparian corridors and light gaps where prey activity is high.
Altitude Range
700–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Yungas screech owl is a small, nocturnal owl of the Andean cloud forests, also known as Hoy's screech owl. It gives a distinctive long trill and series of accelerating notes that carry well through dense forest. Like many screech-owls, it has multiple color morphs (grayish to rufous) that provide excellent camouflage against mossy bark. It was long confused with related montane screech-owls, but vocal and range differences support its species status.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Largely solitary outside the breeding season, maintaining small territories within forested slopes. Pairs are monogamous and nest in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes. The female incubates while the male provisions her and later the chicks; broods are typically small.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Primary vocalization is a long, even trill followed by or replacing a series of accelerating, slightly descending notes. Calls carry through dense foliage and are most frequent at dusk and pre-dawn.
Plumage
Cryptic, finely mottled and streaked plumage with grayish-brown to rufous morphs; underparts streaked with dark shaft lines and faint barring. Facial disk well defined with a darker rim and prominent ear tufts. Tarsi are feathered; tail shows fine barring.
Diet
Feeds mainly on nocturnal arthropods such as moths, beetles, and orthopterans, captured by perch-and-pounce. It also takes spiders and other invertebrates gleaned from foliage. Occasionally, it captures small vertebrates like mice, small birds, or frogs when available.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along forest edges, trails, and stream corridors where prey is concentrated. Often forages from low to mid-level perches, sallying into light gaps or down to the ground. Uses dense understory and bamboo patches for concealed hunting.
