Whiskered Screech-Owl Identification

A small screech-owl with whiskerlike extensions to feathers around the eyes and bill, a yellow-olive bill, orange-tinged eyes, and feathered toes. The more common gray morph is typically gray with some rusty coloration, but a brownish variant also occurs.

Coarse blackish markings give a spotted—rather than streaked—appearance.

Both sexes sing a short series of 5–7 notes, all on the same low pitch.

During the daytime often roosts next to a tree trunk or in dense foliage.

Occurs in forest and woodland habitats, including sycamore-dominated canyons.

Short ear tufts are often not visible.

A rufous morph occurs primarily from central Mexico southward, often in shaded cloud forest.