The Costa Rican pygmy owl is a small "typical owl" in subfamily Surniinae. It is found in Costa Rica and Panama.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs in the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama, especially along the Talamanca and adjacent mountain ranges. It inhabits montane evergreen and cloud forests, mature oak forests, and forest edges with scattered tall trees. The species uses interior forest as well as clearings, roadsides, and secondary growth near intact woodland. It often perches at mid to upper levels where it scans for prey and uses cavities for roosting and nesting.
Altitude Range
900–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Costa Rican pygmy owl is a small, diurnal owl of highland forests in Costa Rica and western Panama. Like other pygmy owls, it often hunts by day and is notorious for mobbing by small songbirds. It has prominent black-and-white eye-spots on the back of its head that deter predators and confuse rivals. It was formerly treated as part of the Andean pygmy owl complex but is now widely recognized as a distinct species.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs during the breeding season. Nests in tree cavities, often using old woodpecker holes; clutch size is small and both parents defend the nest vigorously. Monogamous pairs maintain territories and are frequently mobbed by small passerines.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, evenly spaced whistled toots given in steady rhythm, sometimes in paired notes. Also gives sharp squeals and scolding calls when agitated.
Plumage
Brown to rufous-brown above with fine white spotting; underparts whitish to buff with dense brown streaks. Tail barred. Nape shows bold black eye-spots bordered by white; crown finely spotted.
Diet
Takes large insects such as beetles and orthopterans, as well as small birds, lizards, and small mammals. Hunts from exposed perches, making swift pounces to the ground or into foliage. May cache surplus prey in cavities or dense branches. Uses its keen vision and hearing to locate prey even in dim forest light.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, light gaps, and along trails or roads where visibility is better. Often hunts at mid-levels to canopy edges, using perch-and-pounce tactics near clearings or openings.
