Delhi, Mar 31: Ornithologists (scientists who study birds) from United States of America, Brazil, and Finland identified 2 new species of the screech owl. These have been named the Xingu screech owl (Megascops stangiae) and the Alagoas screech owl (Megascops alagoensis).
Screech owls, so called for the unique piercing, screeching sound they make, are generally small-to-medium-sized (about 13 -15 cms long). They are found only in North and South America.
The researchers analysed 252 specimens, 83 tape-recordings, and 49 genetic samples from across the range of the tawny-bellied screech owl complex in South America. They paid attention to genetic variation, physical differences, and uniqueness of sounds (vocalisations) to determine whether these were new species.
At this time, these species are considered endangered. Scientists believe that strong measures must be taken to maintain these species.
