The Middle American screech owl, also known as the Guatemalan screech owl or the vermiculated screech owl, is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is found from northern Mexico to western Panama.
Region
Mesoamerica
Typical Environment
Occurs from northern and southern Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and into western Panama. It occupies humid and semi-humid lowland and foothill forests, as well as second-growth, forest edge, and shaded plantations such as coffee and cacao. It favors areas with a mix of mature trees for cavities and dense foliage for roosting. Often found along riparian corridors and quiet forest trails. Tolerates moderate habitat disturbance but declines with heavy forest loss.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Guatemalan or Vermiculated Screech-Owl, this small owl inhabits forests from southern Mexico to western Panama. It has gray, brown, or rufous morphs with fine vermiculations that provide superb camouflage. Pairs nest in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes and are most often detected by their soft, rolling trills at night.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with silent, maneuverable flight
Social Behavior
Mostly solitary outside the breeding season; pairs maintain territories and roost discreetly in dense foliage or cavities by day. Nests in tree cavities, often using old woodpecker holes, where the female incubates and the male provisions. Typical clutches are small, and fledglings remain near the nest while being fed by adults.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a soft, rolling trill or series of evenly spaced hoots that can accelerate slightly, carrying well on still nights. Also produces short whinnies and whistles; calls are most frequent at dusk and pre-dawn during the breeding season.
