The tropical screech owl is a small species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is found in Costa Rica, Panama, Trinidad, and every mainland South American country.
Region
Central and South America
Typical Environment
Common from Costa Rica and Panama south through much of tropical South America, including Trinidad. It favors lowlands and foothills, thriving in second-growth woodland, forest edges, gallery forest, and wooded savannas. The species also occurs in human-altered habitats such as gardens, orchards, and urban parks. It generally avoids the densest interior rainforest and the highest Andean elevations. Roosting typically occurs in tree cavities or dense foliage during the day.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This adaptable owl occupies everything from forest edges and savannas to city parks and plantations. It has several color morphs (gray, brown, and rufous) that help it blend into bark and leaf litter. Its short, accelerating series of hoots is a handy field clue on warm tropical nights. It often nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes and readily uses nest boxes.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with silent, maneuverable flight
Social Behavior
Mostly nocturnal and roosts alone or in pairs during the day. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and nest in tree cavities, often reusing sites. The female incubates while the male provisions the nest with prey, and both defend the territory.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A short, accelerating series of mellow hoots that often ends in a trill, delivered repeatedly from a concealed perch. Calls are soft but carry well on calm nights and may include short barks and whinnies when agitated.
Plumage
Cryptically mottled with fine streaks and barring; morphs range from gray to brown to rufous. Feathers have vermiculations that mimic bark texture, aiding camouflage.
Diet
Primarily takes arthropods such as beetles, moths, katydids, crickets, spiders, and scorpions. It will also opportunistically capture small vertebrates including lizards, frogs, small rodents, and small birds. Prey is usually taken from low to mid-level perches by short sallies or pounces to the ground or foliage. It sometimes hawks flying insects near lights in towns.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along edges, clearings, and semi-open woodlands where perches overlook gaps. Frequently forages around streetlights, gardens, and plantations where insect activity is high.
