Publication Details

Year Published

2010

Publication

In: Cartron, Jean-Luc, ed. Raptors of New Mexico. Albuquerque, NM: University of New Mexico Press. p. 511-523.

Abstract

The Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicottii) is a permanent resident and the largest of New Mexico's eight small owls. At an average 116 g (4.1 oz), it is 1.3 times more massive than the Whiskered Screech-Owl (M. trichopsis) but similar to the Eastern Screech-Owl (M. asio), the state's other two small owls with dark-streaked, white-flecked gray plumage resembling gray tree bark (see chapters 30 and 40). Westerns are about 10% larger north and east of the Mogollon Rim, where females are 18% more massive than males. This geographic race is M. k. aikeni. Southward in the state the subspecies M. k. suttoni is smaller and more coarsely marked, and its females are 13% larger than males. All females are slightly darker gray than males.

Keywords

Citation

Gehlbach, Frederick R.; Stoleson, Scott H. 2010. Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicottii). In: Cartron, Jean-Luc, ed. Raptors of New Mexico. Albuquerque, NM: University of New Mexico Press. p. 511-523.