The Pacific screech owl is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is found in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua. The Pacific screech owl has sometimes been treated as a race of western screech owl or eastern screech owl but its vocalizations are distinct from theirs. Two subspecies are recognized, the nominate M. c. cooperi and M. c. lambi. The latter has also sometimes been treated as a separate species. The IUCN has assessed the Pacific screech owl as being of Least Concern. Its population is estimated to exceed 50,000 mature individuals but is believed to be decreasing.
Region
Pacific coast of Mexico and Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Pacific slope from western Mexico through Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua to northwestern Costa Rica. Prefers arid to semi-arid tropical deciduous forest, thorn scrub, and open woodland, often with scattered trees and cacti. Also uses riparian corridors, mangrove edges, second growth, ranchlands, plantations, and town outskirts. Frequently found near forest edges where perches overlook open ground.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Pacific screech owl is a small, cryptic owl of the Pacific slope from western Mexico to northwestern Costa Rica. It was once lumped with other screech-owls but is now recognized by its distinct vocalizations; two subspecies are typically accepted (cooperi and lambi). It readily uses tree cavities and sometimes nest boxes in semi-open landscapes. Despite being assessed as Least Concern, its population is thought to be slowly declining due to habitat alteration.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with silent, maneuverable flight
Social Behavior
Mostly solitary outside the breeding season; pairs defend small territories. Nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes; readily accepts nest boxes where available. Clutches typically contain 2–4 eggs, with the female incubating while the male provisions.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of low, hollow hoots, often in paired or accelerating sequences. Duets between mates are common, with phrases that differ from other screech-owls. Calls carry well at night and help maintain territories.
Plumage
Cryptic mottled plumage with fine streaking and crossbarring; gray and rufous morphs occur. Prominent ear tufts and a pale facial disk edged darker; underparts are streaked with darker shaft lines and barring. Plumage is dense and soft, aiding silent flight.
Diet
Takes a variety of large insects such as beetles, katydids, and moths, as well as spiders and scorpions. Also captures small vertebrates including rodents, small birds, lizards, and frogs when available. Hunts primarily from low to mid-level perches with short sallies to the ground or vegetation.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, pastures, and semi-open scrub where prey is abundant. Frequently hunts near lights in rural towns or farms that attract insects. Uses fence posts, low branches, and utility lines as watch perches.
