Appearance
The cloud-forest screech owl is 20 to 23 cm long; a male and a female weighed 105 g and 115 g respectively. It is among the smallest screech owls. It has a rufous facial disc with black edges on the sides, white brows over dark brown eyes, and short "ear" tufts. Its crown and upperparts are a rich reddish brown with blackish mottling and a buffy nuchal "collar". The folded wing shows a line of white spots and the tail is barred. Its breast is rufous with dark streaks and thin vermiculations. Its belly is off-white with dark streaks and thin barring.Distribution
The cloud-forest screech owl was originally thought to be confined to south and central Peru, in the Departments of Pasco, Cuzco, and Puno. Since 2005 it has been recorded in northern Bolivia as well.Status
The IUCN has assessed the cloud-forest screech owl as being Near Threatened. It is "believed to have a very small range and is therefore highly susceptible to any future threats to its habitat."Habitat
It inhabits cloud forest, a humid, mossy landscape with epiphytes, ferns, and a dense understory. In elevation it ranges at least from 1,900 to 2,600 m and possibly higher.Reproduction
Very little is known about the cloud-forest screech-owls breeding phenology. It appears to breed between late June and August and is assumed to nest in tree cavities like others of its genus.Food
The cloud-forest screech owl forages in the canopy; it is believed to be mostly insectivorous.References:
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