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Whiskered Screech Owls
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Names
Common Name: Whiskered Screech Owls
Scientific Name: Megascops trichopsis
Appearance
Adults have two color morphs, in either brown or dark grey plumage. The smallest of the three Screech Owls in the United States.
Behavior
Hoots like Morse Code. Like Ezylryb, they eat caterpillars.

Whiskered Screech Owls (Megascops trichopsis) are a small species of owl found in North and Central America. Its name comes from its facial whiskers, which are longer and denser than in other screech owls.

Information[]

Description[]

The Whiskered Screech ranges in size from 6.3-7.9 in (16-20 cm), with the males weighing 2.9 oz (85g), the females weighing 3.3 oz (94g), and a wingspan of 15.7-19.7 in (40-50cm).​

Adults occur in two color morphs, in either brown or dark grey plumage, with the former most common in the southern portion of their range. They have a round head with ear tufts, yellow eyes, and a yellowish bill. This owl looks very similar to the Western Screech Owl, but has heavier barring on the breast, and is slightly smaller in size.

Their most common call is a series of about 8 regularly spaced “boo” notes, slightly higher in the middle, slightly lower at each end. The female's voice is slightly higher. Flight is mothlike with rapid, silent wing beats.

Ecology[]

The Whiskered Screech Owl's range extends from southeastern Arizona (the Madrean Sky Islands region) in the United States, southwards through Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, to north central Nicaragua. Their breeding habitat is dense coniferous or oak woodlands, and coffee plantations usually occurring at higher elevations than the Western Screech Owl.

Feeding[]

These birds wait on a perch and swoop down on prey; they also capture targeted food items in flight. They mainly eat small mammals and large insects, with grasshoppers, beetles, and moths making up a large portion of their diet. They are active at night or near dusk, using their excellent hearing and night vision to locate prey.

Reproduction[]

3 to 4 eggs are usually laid in April or May, usually found in a tree cavity or old woodpecker hole 5 to 7 meters above the ground. After the young hatch, both parents share in the hunting. They are very territorial.

Significant Whiskered Screech Owls[]

History[]

The Capture[]

While captured in St. Aggie's, Soren and Gylfie behold Soren's pit-mate, 12-8, being gently reprimanded by a female Whiskered Screech monitor her for pride. Swooping down to issue a quiet but unmistakable warning, the Screech Owl nods her approval to Gylfie and Hortense's modesty and returns to her perch.

The Journey[]

Ezylryb is introduced attending Parliament as an old owl with only three talons on his left foot. He gives Soren and Gylfie a book on matters of the gizzard. He leads the Weather Interpretation Chaw. While he usually never leaves the Tree, he leaves to investigate the cause of The Great Downing, but he doesn't return.

The Rescue[]

Ezylryb is trapped in a Devil's Triangle in Tyto because the Pure Ones want his knowledge of the Northern Kingdoms. After his rescue, he retires to his hollow, knowing the battle has only begun.

The Siege[]

Coming Soon!

The Shattering[]

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The Burning[]

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The Hatchling[]

Ezylryb is in the library with Otulissa. She says that dire wolves are extinct. He replies that that might be true for science, but not for legends, and directs her to read The Fire Cycle.

The Outcast[]

Ezylryb is perched atop the Great Tree with Octavia. Soren seems to sense the arrival of Coryn, so Ezylryb tells Pellimore to let him go greet his nephew.

The First Collier[]

Ezylryb is dying, but right before he does, he tells Soren and Coryn to read The Legends of Ga'Hoole.

The Coming of Hoole[]

Coming Soon!

To Be a King[]

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The Golden Tree[]

Gemma was a member of Parliament. She claimed Ezylryb was her kins-owl, yet she had no idea his real name was Lyze of Kiel. Once Coryn left the tree, she immediately formed the Guardians of the Guardians of the Ember and began to lock up anyone she deemed a threat to the Ember. Once Coryn and the Band returned, she was reprimanded and sent away to the Glauxian Sister's Retreat.

The River of Wind[]

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Exile[]

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The War of the Ember[]

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A Guide Book to the Great Tree[]

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Lost Tales of Ga'Hoole[]

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The Rise of a Legend[]

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Gallery[]

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