Black-capped Screech Owl
Black Caps Screech
The Black Caps Screech Owl ( Megascops atricapillus) is a species of the family of the authentics owls. It is found only in South America.
Appearance
With a height of about 23 centimeters, the Black Caps Screech Owl is a medium-sized genus within their article The top of the head is blackish, the ear tufts are relatively conspicuous and the eyes are brown. The plumage coloration is relatively variable. Gray, dark gray and red-brown morphs can occur in the same region.
The Black Caps Screech can be confused with several other screech owls. The Santa Catarina Screech is slightly larger and has trained powerful claws. The Choliba Screech is slightly smaller and has short ear tufts and yellow eyes.
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Black Caps Screech Owl extends from eastern Brazil to the province of Santa Catarina. It also occurs in eastern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina. Presumably it is a sedentary bird. The habitat are spacious tropical forests with dense undergrowth. Important for colonization by Black Cap Screeching owls is a presence of old trees which have corresponding tree hollows. The altitudinal distribution ranges from sea level to altitudes of 250 meters above sea level.
Way of life
The Black Caps Screech Owl is a nocturnal owl. You will meet in the dense foliage of trees or in caves. The food spectrum consists mainly of insects, such as cicadas, moths and beetles. It also eats spiders and probably beats even small vertebrates. It nests in tree hollows. The nest is usually from two to three eggs. It broods alone the female. During the breeding season it is fed by the male with food.