Image via Macaulay Library
Long-tufted Screech-Owl
- Scientific name
- Megascops sanctaecatarinae
- Family
- Strigidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Forest mixed
- Wing shape
- Rounded
- Tail shape
- Rounded
Where it came from
The Long-tufted Screech-owl, or Megascops sanctaecatarinae, is a distinct species of owl native to the Atlantic forests of southeastern Brazil, Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina. Taxonomically, it was historically grouped within the broader screech-owl complex, but it is now recognized for its specific morphology, characterized by exceptionally long ear tufts and a plumage pattern adapted for camouflage against the mossy, lichen-covered bark of its subtropical habitat.
The species was first formally described by the ornithologist Martin Hinrich Carl Lichtenstein. Its design—evolutionarily speaking—favors a compact, rounded wing and tail structure, which provides the necessary maneuverability for hunting in dense forest undergrowth. Unlike its more widely distributed relatives, the Long-tufted Screech-owl has remained a subject of interest for ornithologists studying the unique biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest, a region of high endemism where the species faces ongoing challenges due to habitat fragmentation.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Long-tufted Screech-Owl
Long-tufted Screech-Owl is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Long-tufted Screech-Owl on collecto.rs?
Long-tufted Screech-Owl doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Long-tufted Screech-Owl?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Long-tufted Screech-Owl catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Long-tufted Screech-Owl is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
