Owls of Costa Rica

We thank Vernon Campos for sharing the owl photographs for our gallery.

Tropical Screech Owl

Megascops choliba

Distribution: Found from southern Mexico to Argentina, including Costa Rica at both low and mid elevations.

Diet: Mostly large insects such as crickets, beetles, and moths, and sometimes small lizards or frogs.

Habitat: Occurs in dry and humid forests, forest edges, coffee plantations, and wooded gardens.

Behavior: A small, nocturnal owl easily recognized by its strong, repetitive call. Nests in tree cavities or nest boxes.

Crested Owl

Lophostrix cristata

Distribution: From southern Mexico to northern South America. In Costa Rica, it is uncommon and mainly found in lowland rainforests.

Diet: Feeds on small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

Habitat: Prefers humid, mature tropical forests below 1,000 m elevation.

Behavior: Nocturnal and elusive. Noted for its striking feather crest and deep, resonant call.

Barn Owl

Tyto alba

Distribution: One of the most widespread owls, found on every continent except Antarctica. In Costa Rica, it inhabits both rural and urban areas.

Diet: Mainly small mammals such as mice and rats, but also small birds and large insects.

Habitat: Open fields, farmlands, and forest edges. Frequently roosts in barns, churches, and abandoned buildings.

Behavior: Nocturnal, with a silent flight and excellent hearing that allows it to hunt in complete darkness.

Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl

Glaucidium brasilianum

Distribution: From the southern United States to Argentina, widely distributed across Central America.

Diet: Insects, small reptiles, amphibians, and occasionally smaller birds.

Habitat: Open areas with scattered trees, forest edges, and green urban zones.

Behavior: Diurnal and territorial, with a characteristic repetitive call. Nests in natural cavities or nest boxes.

Mottled Owl

Ciccaba virgata

Distribution: From Mexico to South America. Common throughout Costa Rica.

Diet: Small mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and large insects.

Habitat: Found in humid primary and secondary forests, as well as shaded coffee plantations.

Behavior: Nocturnal, usually seen in pairs, with a series of deep, repetitive hoots. Territorial and easily recognized by its call.

Pacific Screech-Owl

Megascops cooperi

Distribution: From southern Mexico to Costa Rica, mostly in highland regions such as the Talamanca and Central Volcanic Ranges.

Diet: Feeds mainly on large insects and small vertebrates such as lizards and rodents.

Habitat: Humid montane forests between 1,200 and 3,000 m elevation.

Behavior: Nocturnal and solitary. Known for its soft, melodic trill and nesting in natural tree cavities.

Striped Owl

Asio clamator

Distribution: From Mexico to Argentina, common in Costa Rica’s lowlands and mid-elevations.

Diet: Small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and large insects.

Habitat: Open areas with scattered trees, savannas, and coffee plantations.

Behavior: Mostly nocturnal and solitary. Recognizable by its long ear tufts and loud, deep call used for territorial defense.