Abstract

PAGANO, Luis G. et al. DISTRIBUTION AND NATURAL HISTORY OF THE LONG-TUFTED SCREECH-OWL (MEGASCOPS SANCTAECATARINAE) IN ARGENTINA. Hornero [online]. 2021, vol.36, n.2, pp.51-64. ISSN 0073-3407.

The Long-tufted Screech-Owl or Santa Catarina Screech-Owl (Megascops sanctaecatarinae) has been ignored in most of Argentina’s ornithological publications, and knowledge of this species in Argentina is scarce. We discuss the treatment of the species by different authors during the 20th century, contribute 41 records in 18 localities in the province of Misiones, and provide information on identificaron, distribution, morphology, diet, and habitat. To identify this owl in the field, its vocalizations are key, especially those of the female. It can also be distinguished from sympatric congeners by larger body size and a more ‘scaly’ plumage on the breast, but sometimes these characteristics are not distinguishable, especially in photographs. The length of the ‘ears’ and the color of the iris, frequently cited as field marks, are not diagnos-tic. We found it associated with streams of different sizes in degraded or recovering forests or narrow strips of forest, but never in pristine forests. A diet that includes amphibians and fish could be key in the association with riparian habitats. Records of Megascops atricapilla in the province of Corrientes might represent confusions with Megascops sanctaecatarinae: the voice of male M. sanctaecatarinae and the variation in coloration of plumage and iris in both species could contribute to these errors. We recommend searches with playback in southern Misiones and farther south to evaluate the distribution, abundance, and conservation status of M. sanctaecata-rinae in Argentina.

Keywords : Argentina; Corrientes; diet; distribution; habitat; identification; Megascops sanctaecatarinae; Misiones.

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