Vermiculated Screech-Owl

The Guatemalan Screech-owl is a species of owl in the Strigidae family. A number of its subspecies are often separated as Vermiculated Screech-owl , and occasionally even additional species such as the Rio Napo Screech-Owl, M. napensis. If only a single species is recognized, the common name Vermiculated Screech-owl applies, but the scientific name remains the older M. guatemalae

The Vermiculated Screech-Owl is classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

Significantly more Vermiculated Screech-Owls were detected away from the summer solstice, while significantly fewer Crested Owls and Spectacled Owls were detected away from the solstice. Detections decreased with time after official sunset, although this was statistically significant only for Spectacled Owls. Our results suggested that changes in owl calling activity was correlated with other species activity, the season of the year, and environmental conditions. More

The Vermiculated Screech-owl, Megascops guatemalae, is an owl of the Strigidae family. Contents - * 1 Description * 2 Habitat and behaviour * 2.1 Habitat * 2. More

This Vermiculated Screech-Owl was found at the La Selva Biological Reserve in Costa Rica. This owl was a real eye opener considering how often they are grouped together with Guatemalan Screech-Owls as a single species. The markings of this owl are quite different with significant heavier vermiculated underside markings, no dark facial rim, and maybe most of all, the owls we heard had a much different vocalization. Click here to return to the Vermiculated Screech-Owl page. More

The Vermiculated Screech-Owl is sometimes grouped as a subspecies of Guatemalan Screech-Owl although it is distinct in call, markings, range, and behavior. Further studies need to be conducted and DNA analysis performed although classic species determinations certainly qualify this as its own species. We consider this division here at owling.com to be valid and pending further research have adopted, as have many other authorities, the classification of this owl to be separate. More