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Revision as of 14:16, 29 October 2008
- Megascops kennicottii
Photo by oldsquaw. Location: Pueblo, Colorado
Identification
Brown or dark grey plumage, streaking on the underparts, round head with ear tufts, yellow eyes and a yellowish bill.
Distribution
Alaska and north-western Canada to California.
Taxonomy
This and almost all Screech Owls in the Americas have previously been considered to belong in the same genus (Otus) as the European and Asian Scops-Owls, but a reassignment to Megascops have been accepted by among other authorities, the American Ornithologists' Union.
Habitat
Open deciduous or mixed woods.
Behaviour
They nest in a cavity in a tree or cactus, often using old woodpecker holes.
They wait on a perch and swoop down on prey; they may also catch insects in flight. The diet includes small mammals and large insects, also small birds. They are active at night or near dusk.
