- Megascops cooperi
Identification
Photo taken: Costa Rica.
The Pacific Screech Owl (Otus cooperi) is a medium-large owl upto 23cm or 9 inches. It is a brown owl with dark streaks on the chest and longish ear tufts.
Distribution
The Pacific coast of Mexico and Central America, ranging from Central Oaxaca, Southern Mexico to about as far south as Central Costa Rica.
Taxonomy
Habitat
It is found in wooded areas as well as semi open sites such as forest edges and trees along waterways.
Behaviour
They are strictly nocturnal, preying mostly on large insects (such as moths, beetles, scorpiones) along with the occasional small rodent.
