Choco Screech Owl

Megascops gilesi

The Choco Screech Owl (Megascops gilesi) is a small owl species found in the Choco region of western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. This owl is known for its distinctive whistling call and is often found in humid montane forests. It has a reddish-brown facial disk with prominent ear tufts, and its plumage is mottled brown and white, providing excellent camouflage among the dense foliage. The Choco Screech Owl primarily preys on insects, small mammals, and birds. Due to habitat loss and fragmentation, this species is facing threats to its survival.

Habitat: Humid montane forests