[1] It is found only in the Atlantic Forest north of the São Francisco River of Brazil, and is threatened by forest fragmentation.

[2] The holotype was collected at Engenho Coimbra.

It is closely related to black-capped screech owl in both morphology and genetics.

[3] This species was described in 2021, and thus recognized in Avibase taxonomic concepts.

[1] It is named for the Brazilian state of Alagoas, where it was first found.