Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl

New on my bird list: Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl

First article for 2019, but this Owl was first spotted in 2018. It was there all along but I am sure we missed its location several times. Reason no. 1: well camouflaged and blends quite well with its surroundings. Just look at this picture for instance.
Reason no. 2: it did not move at all. I've seen it afterwards also a couple of times and up till the last sighting this owl did not move an inch.

It took me a couple of weeks to be certain that this fellow was the Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl (Megascops watsonii) but after doing some research and comparing this photo with others, I finally knew that it was the Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl.

This owl is just like his relatives a nocturnal animal, one that likes to feast when most of the birds or other animals are in deep rest. 

The Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl is not a big Owl, only reaches 19 - 24 cm. 

It is said that the Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl is one shy bird and is seldom seen out in the open. This Owl lives inside the rainforest and with its tiny appearance and well-camouflaged look, it is understandable why it is often missed. 

Well, I am glad to have seen this amazing fellow and hopefully I will 'discover' something more interesting about this fantastic Owl.

You may also like this Owl:

diner for one