Puerto Rican Owl
NamePuerto Rican Owl
Common NamePuerto Rican Owl
Scientific NameMegascops nudipes
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)42
Length (cm)22
Weight (g)110
Plumage DetailsMottled brown and rufous upperparts with darker streaks and bars provide excellent camouflage. The underparts are paler, whitish to buff, with prominent dark streaking. It has an indistinct facial disc and small ear tufts that are often not visible.
Vocalization / CallIts most characteristic call is a series of short, accelerating hoots, often described as 'coo-coo-coo-coo-coo-coo-COO-COO-COO' or 'whu-whu-whu-whu-whu-whu-WHU-WHU-WHU'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the island of Puerto Rico, found throughout various forest types and even in suburban areas with sufficient tree cover.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Mottled brown plumage, Often inconspicuous ear tufts, Distinctive accelerating hooting call, Endemic to Puerto Rico
Description
The Puerto Rican Owl is a small, nocturnal owl endemic to Puerto Rico, known for its cryptic brown plumage and distinctive call. It typically perches quietly in trees, hunting insects and small vertebrates. Its eyes are usually dark brown, but appear red in this image due to flash reflection.
