The Santa Marta screech owl is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is found only in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta of Colombia.
Region
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, northern Colombia
Typical Environment
Occupies humid montane and cloud forests, often near forest edges, secondary growth, and well-shaded coffee or agroforestry mosaics adjacent to native forest. It favors dense midstory and canopy cover where it can hunt from low to mid-level perches. The species is highly localized and tied to intact forest structure, though it can occasionally occur along lightly disturbed edges. Riparian corridors and ravines with mature trees are also used.
Altitude Range
1100–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to Colombia’s isolated Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, this screech owl was only formally described in the 21st century. Its voice—a rapid series of soft notes that accelerates into a trill—helps distinguish it from other Megascops. Habitat loss in its limited range is the primary threat, making careful protection of mid- to high-elevation forests crucial.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short, silent flights with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Primarily nocturnal and secretive, defending small territories, especially during breeding season. Likely monogamous, forming pairs that maintain territories through vocal duets. Nests in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, with minimal nesting material.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft series of notes that accelerates into a steady trill, carrying well in dense forest at night. Also gives short hoots and contact calls, with pairs sometimes exchanging responsive phrases.
Plumage
Compact screech-owl with cryptic, finely vermiculated plumage and erect ear tufts; shows gray-brown to rufescent morphs with dense barring and streaking on underparts.
Diet
Feeds mainly on large insects such as beetles, moths, and katydids, supplemented by spiders and other arthropods. Will also take small vertebrates, including mice, small birds, and frogs when available. Hunts from low to mid-level perches, using sit-and-wait tactics and short sallies to capture prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, gaps, and along quiet trails or ravines within mature and secondary montane forest. Uses shaded agroforestry areas adjacent to intact forest when cover is adequate.
