Watercolor portrait of Whiskered Screech-Owl (Megascops trichopsis)

Whiskered Screech-Owl

Megascops trichopsis
This owl is a year-round resident from s… Look for it in pine-oak forests, wooded… Rare Even Whistle Series

Learn to identify the Whiskered Screech-Owl by ear. Master the "too-too-too-too-too..." phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“too-too-too-too-too...”

What the Whiskered Screech-Owl sounds like

Whiskered Screech-Owl is a small, bark-patterned owl of cool mountain woods. Its bright yellow eyes, short ear tufts, and neat dark streaks vanish against pine and oak bark until its soft, steady hoots give it away.

“too-too-too-too-too...”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A long run of soft, evenly pitched whistles, often delivered from a hidden perch in a dark canyon. It sounds steady and patient, like a tiny bird-sized metronome in the trees. Often written as “too-too-too-too-too...”.
Don't confuse with:The Western Screech-Owl — usually looks a bit bulkier and less neatly streaked.

Where you'll hear it

Look for it in pine-oak forests, wooded canyons, and shady ravines, often near streams or big sycamores. In the U.S., it is a specialty of the sky island mountains of southeastern Arizona.

It is most active from dusk through the night and into early dawn. Spring is the best time to hear one, when males sing persistently from hidden perches in dark canyons.

Similar species

Western Screech-Owl

Usually looks a bit bulkier and less neatly streaked.

Flammulated Owl

Has dark eyes, not yellow ones.

Elf Owl

Much smaller and more delicate overall.

Whiskered Screech-Owl song FAQ

What does a Whiskered Screech-Owl sound like?
A long run of soft, evenly pitched whistles, often delivered from a hidden perch in a dark canyon. It sounds steady and patient, like a tiny bird-sized metronome in the trees. Listen for the "too-too-too-too-too..." phrase.
How do I tell a Whiskered Screech-Owl from a Western Screech-Owl by sound?
Western Screech-Owl: Usually looks a bit bulkier and less neatly streaked.; Often found lower in drier woodlands, though ranges can overlap.; Song is shorter and more bouncing-ball in rhythm, not such a long, even whistle series..
When is the best time to hear a Whiskered Screech-Owl?
It is most active from dusk through the night and into early dawn. Spring is the best time to hear one, when males sing persistently from hidden perches in dark canyons.