Tropical Screech-owl, Costa Rica

The Tropical Screech-owl is a pint-sized predator that brings a touch of mystery to Costa Rica’s nighttime forests. With its mottled gray or reddish-brown feathers, this owl is a master of camouflage, blending seamlessly into tree bark during the day. As dusk falls, its haunting, trilling call echoes through the tropical landscape, a sound that’s both eerie and enchanting. Despite its small size, the Tropical Screech-owl is a skilled hunter, preying on insects, small mammals, and even other birds with stealth and precision. Its piercing yellow eyes and tufted “ear” feathers give it an intense, wide-eyed expression that’s impossible to ignore. This little owl is a true symbol of the wild and wonderful nightlife of Costa Rica!