Masked Screecher

The masked screecher is a common species of bird, clearly distinguished from other owl-like birds by its smooth, white facial plumage resembling a mask.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Apart from its unusual plumage, the Masked Screecher is anatomically hard to distinguish from any other owl-like bird of its size.
As other birds it has two inverted legs that retract into the body during flight, two eyes that give it a wide angle of sight and a pair of wings what allow it to glide through the air silently.
This silent flight paired with the white, eery appearance of the bird gives it nicknames akin to "Aerghost" or "Frighter".

Genetics and Reproduction

Although clearly a very prolific species, its mating rituals and similar behaviour have yet to be observed in detail.
It is expected that this process is less involved then that of songbirds, with their beutiful and elaborate melodies, and ducks, with their projectilitan reproductive organs.

Additional Information

Average Intelligence

Similar to other predatory birds the Masked Shrieker is quite the intelligent species, able to anticipate the behavior of its prey and use the environment to its advantage.
Such birds living near or in an urban environment have shown exceptional skill at circumventing security systems, opening simple latches and the like to access unorthodox sources of food and seeking out nests of pest rodents or other live nuisances.
Although exceedingly rarely observed, a parliment of Screechers can coordinate efforts to bring down a common enemy.
In theory they could easily be capable of killing a human should they gather forces in this manner.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

A highly unusual feature that this bird shares with owls is its ability to contort the head in impossible ways, even capable or staring directly behind itself sith a twist of the neck.
The bird appears to be unharmed during this process, although how this is possible is not fully understood.

Scientific Name

Strix Prosopon

Lifespan

20 years

Conservation Status

The Masked Screecher is a very successful hunter and has no natural predators, providing it with ample opportunity to prosper. It is seen by many of the superstitious to be a bad omen and is therefore hunted, but this has little effect on the overall population of the species.