Koepcke's Screech Owl

Megascops koepckeae

Koepcke's Screech Owl (Megascops koepckeae) is a small owl species native to the cloud forests of the Andes in Peru. It is named after Maria Koepcke, a renowned German-Peruvian ornithologist. This species is characterized by its small size, prominent ear tufts, and mottled brown and reddish-brown plumage, providing excellent camouflage among the dense foliage. Koepcke's Screech Owl is a nocturnal hunter, preying on insects, small mammals, and birds. It nests in tree cavities and is known for its distinctive trilling call during the breeding season. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss and fragmentation, this species faces conservation concerns.

Habitat: Cloud forests of the Andes