The Whiskered Screech-Owl is a small, nocturnal, woodland owl of southwestern North America and highland Central America. Like all screech-owls, it is a squat-looking owl. The wings, tail, and ear tufts are shorter than other screech-owls, giving a heavier appearance. Its ear tufts are often tilted backwards. The iris is bright yellow. Its bill is pale grayish-yellow to dull greenish, with longish tufts of bristly feathers around its base (the source of its name). Its plumage is either mainly grayish or reddish-brown (see Morphs) variegated dark and light, that resembles a furrowed tree bark pattern, and is very similar to other screech-owls. Its feet are smaller, weaker, and less feathered than other screech-owls.
Size
The Whiskered Screech-Owl is smaller than other screech-owls, and is the 5th smallest North American Owl overall. Because of its puffed plumage it gives the impression of being larger than it is. Females are 5 to 10% larger than males. Females and males average about 7.0 inches (18 centimeters) in length. Wingspans average 19 inches (48 centimeters) for females and 18 inches (45 centimeters) for males. Weights average 6 ounces (170 grams) for females and 5.6 ounces (161 grams) for males.
Specific Description
Adult (gray phase)
- refer to above
- similar to other screech-owls but darker than Eastern Screech-Owls and more boldly marked than other screech-owls
Adult (red phase)
- overall rufous color boldly marked with black shafts and dusky mottling
- grayer then red phase Eastern Screech-Owl
Similar Species
The Whiskered Screech-Owl is only likely to be confused with the Western Screech-Owl. These owls can only be distinguished by their different calls, but only occur together locally in Arizona and northern Mexico. Another eared owl, the Flammulated Owl, is much smaller and darker.
Other Names
It has also been known as Spotted Screech-Owl, Whiskered Owl, and Arizona Whiskered Owl.
Etymology
The scientific name Otus trichopsis translates into "eared owl with hairy appearance".
