Long-tufted Screech Owl

This medium-sized nocturnal raptor measures between 25 and 28 centimeters in length and weighs approximately 155 to 210 grams. It possesses a well-defined pale brownish-gray facial disc framed by a distinct dark border, and is easily recognized by its prominent, long ear tufts that can be raised or lowered depending on its state of alertness. The plumage displays high polymorphism, ranging from a brownish-gray to a warm rufous morph, intricately patterned with dark shaft streaks and whitish spots across the mantle. The underparts are lighter, heavily marked with vertical blackish streaks intersected by delicate horizontal bars, providing exceptional bark-like camouflage against tree trunks. Its eyes are a striking honey-yellow to dark amber, set against a greenish-olive bill, and its feet are robust and heavily feathered down to the toes to assist in securing agile prey in the forest understory.

Geographical distribution: It is native to the south-central regions of South America, with a distribution concentrated primarily in southeastern and southern Brazil (spanning from São Paulo and Paraná south to Rio Grande do Sul), northeastern Argentina (restricted mostly to the Misiones province), and eastern Paraguay. This geographical range aligns closely with the subtropical remnants of the Atlantic Forest and associated mixed moist forests.

Habitat: It primarily occupies moist Araucaria forests, forest edges, secondary growth woodlands, and semi-open agricultural areas with scattered mature trees. This owl can be found at elevations ranging from sea level up to 1000 meters above sea level, showing a strong ecological affinity for microhabitats dominated by the Paraná pine (Araucaria angustifolia), where the structural complexity of the canopy provides optimal roosting and foraging opportunities.

Feeding: This species is a generalist predator with a carnivorous diet consisting of both invertebrates and small vertebrates. It feeds heavily on large nocturnal insects such as beetles, moths, and crickets, but also hunts small mammals (primarily rodents and mouse opossums), small passerine birds intercepted at roosting sites, and occasionally small amphibians or reptiles. Hunting occurs from low perches where the bird scans the forest floor before dropping silently onto its prey.

Behavior: It is strictly nocturnal and crepuscular, spending the daylight hours roosting close to tree trunks or hidden within dense foliage to evade mobbing by smaller forest birds. It is a highly territorial species that advertises its presence using a distinctive vocalization, which consists of a rapid, accelerating series of low-pitched purring notes that ends abruptly. Its flight is completely silent, adapted for navigating through dense forest understory without alerting potential prey.

Nesting: Breeding activity typically takes place between late winter and early spring. It nests exclusively in natural tree cavities or abandoned cavities excavated by woodpeckers, making no effort to construct an active nest structure of its own. The female lays a clutch of 2 to 4 unmarked white eggs, which she incubates for approximately 26 to 30 days. During this period, the male takes on the role of primary provider, hunting and bringing food to both the incubating female and the altricial chicks during their early development.

Conservation status: It is currently classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List. However, despite not being immediately threatened, its populations are experiencing localized declines due to habitat fragmentation and deforestation within the highly threatened Atlantic Forest biome. The loss of mature, hollow-bearing trees represents a major bottleneck for its reproductive success, highlighting the need for conservation initiatives targeting primary and old-growth forest fragments.