Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...

Pacific Screech Owl

Megascops cooperi

The Pacific screech owl, Megascops cooperi, is a medium-sized owl with a notable presence. It is adorned with ear tufts that stand prominently above its bright yellow eyes. The plumage is a subtle blend of pale tawny gray, adorned with dusky and black vermiculation, giving it a mottled appearance that is both cryptic and charming.

Identification Tips

To identify the Pacific screech owl, look for its pale gray facial disc framed by a contrasting white and blackish border. The upperparts share this pale tawny gray coloration, while the underparts are a lighter off-white with a distinctive darker herringbone pattern. When the wings are closed, two pale lines are visible. The subspecies M. c. lambi is slightly smaller and has additional dark bars and streaks on the crown.

Habitat

This owl favors a diverse array of environments, from the swamp forests and mangroves to arid woodlands and scrublands. It is also found in open country dotted with trees and cacti, as well as secondary forests. Its adaptability to different habitats is quite remarkable.

Distribution

The Pacific screech owl's range extends from the Pacific slope of Oaxaca, Mexico, through Central America, reaching as far south as northwestern Costa Rica. It is also present on the upper Caribbean slope in the southern part of its range.

Behaviour

A nocturnal and crepuscular hunter, the Pacific screech owl employs a sit-and-wait strategy from low perches, pouncing or sallying forth to capture its prey. It is a solitary creature, shrouded in the mystery of the night.

Song & calls

The vocalizations of the Pacific screech owl are unique and serve as a reliable identification tool. The nominate subspecies emits a "prrr pu-pu-PU-PU-PU-pu-pu" song, while M. c. lambi produces a "staccato croarrr-gogogogogogok". Both subspecies also have secondary songs that add to their nocturnal symphony.

Breeding

Details on the breeding habits of the Pacific screech owl are scarce. However, it is believed to nest during the dry season, laying a clutch of three to four eggs in tree cavities, often repurposing old woodpecker holes.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Pacific screech owl is predominantly large insects, but it also includes other arthropods such as scorpions, and occasionally small vertebrates like birds and flying squirrels. Its hunting technique is both efficient and effective in the dim light of dusk and dawn.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Pacific screech owl as Least Concern, with an estimated population exceeding 50,000 mature individuals. However, there is a belief that the population may be on a downward trend, which warrants monitoring.

Pacific Screech Owl Sounds


Recorded by: © 
App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Pacific Screech Owls on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Owls

A photo of a Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus)

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
D3Nature
Great app for learning Birds
I’ve been using the app for a couple of months and love it....Someone said it’s like a real life Pokémon Go for birds. They’re not far off! It’s something that the family can do that gets you out and about. Well worth downloading no matter your age.
Carl B
Helped me to identify more birds
Love this app and has helped me to identify more birds. The challenges and badges are great for keeping the motivation going to get out and keep birding.
Chudbond
Love Birda
I love this app. It really encourages you to log your sightings and the community is friendly and helpful.
Emcil24
A Friendly Place
I love using the bird app, I have a pretty good knowledge of birds. But I do have some gaps in it, so it’s nice to have a safe space to check on a sighting to confirm the species. It’s really enjoyable and I love the badges you can collect. It’s like a real life Pokémon go.
Sacha0508
Simply fantastic
I love this app, it puts so much fun into recording the birds I’ve seen and heard while I’m out and about. The interface is user-friendly and suitable for all ages. It’s great to collect badges and to review my “lists”.
Anonymous
The best bird logging app
Birda is honestly the best bird logging app I have seen. I love all the features it has from being able to do a session and log all the birds you see in one sitting, to being able to connect with other birders from all over the globe!
Robred 2
Fun way to add to your birdwatching experience
I enjoy watching birds in my backyard, but this app helped me really pay attention while on vacation this summer. It was fun to add new birds to my bird watching app.
Alex J
Friendly and helps to identify birds
Great birding app, good for logging your sightings, also has nice species guide. I'm enjoying the social aspect more than I expected, everyone seems friendly and helps to identify unknown birds. Good mix of newbies and experienced users.
Foxgirl100
Great app for beginner twitchers
I’ve had a passion of photographing birds for a long time now but have only just gotten into proper birdwatching, and this app is brilliant for those just getting started. There is a great sense of community among users and the app is very easy to use and professional. Awesome app altogether
Jake W
Great app
I use this app all the time as it’s quick and easy to log individual sightings or whole birding sessions. It’s an excellent way to meet new people and the forum is full of really friendly people. The challenges are a great way to get involved and learn more about birds. Cannot recommend it enough!
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.