Middle American Screech-Owl vs Foothill Screech-Owl

In short

The Middle American Screech-Owl and the Foothill Screech-Owl can be distinguished by their plumage and ear-tuft characteristics. The Middle American Screech-Owl shows more variation in morphs, while the Foothill Screech-Owl has a distinctive pale eyebrow and dark cinnamon-brown upperparts with dense vermiculations.

Identification tips

• Look for the pale eyebrow and dark ear-tufts on the Foothill Screech-Owl.
• Observe the plumage morphs; Middle American Screech-Owl may show brown or rufous morphs, while the Foothill Screech-Owl is consistently dark cinnamon-brown.
• Check for the distinct row of white spots across the shoulder in the Foothill Screech-Owl.

Plumage

The Middle American Screech-Owl exhibits multiple morphs, including brown and rufous, while the Foothill Screech-Owl has a consistent dark cinnamon-brown plumage with blackish speckles and a distinctive pale eyebrow contrasting with dark ear-tufts. The Foothill Screech-Owl also has a row of white spots across the shoulder formed by the scapulars.