Puerto Rican Screech-Owl

The Puerto Rican Screech-Owl is endemic to Puerto Rico and some nearby islands, where it is known locally as the mucaro. Unlike many mainland screech-owls, it lacks obvious ear tufts, giving it a rounded, softly featured head profile.

It inhabits a range of wooded habitats from lowland forest to montane woodland, and remains a familiar nocturnal voice across the island even though it is rarely seen.

Its feathers show a soft blend of reddish-brown and grey-brown tones with fine mottling, useful for distinguishing it from other small owls, though as an island endemic there is little overlap with other similar species in its range.

Shape and Size

Flight feathers are small, typically 11-14 cm on primaries, with the fringed leading edge common to owls for silent flight.

Color and Pattern

• Ground color varies from reddish-brown to greyish-brown across individuals
• Fine dark streaking and mottling covers the body feathers, without bold barring
• Underpart feathers are paler with fine shaft streaks

Shaft and Vane

Shafts are pale brown, and the vanes are soft and loosely textured, typical of a small tropical forest owl.

Distinguishing from Similar Species

Because this is an island endemic with minimal overlap from similar-sized owls, a small, softly mottled reddish-brown or grey-brown feather found in Puerto Rico is a strong indicator of this species by range alone.

Adults show either a reddish-brown or greyish-brown plumage variant, both finely streaked and mottled rather than boldly barred, with a pale facial disc and dark eyes. Ear tufts are minimal or absent, giving a rounded head shape.

Sexes look similar, with females averaging slightly larger. Juveniles are downier and less patterned, gradually acquiring adult plumage. Adults undergo a single annual molt.

This species is endemic to Puerto Rico, found in forests ranging from coastal lowland woodland to montane forest across the island, including some nearby smaller islands within its range.

It is a non-migratory resident, remaining within its island habitat throughout the year.

The Puerto Rican Screech-Owl is nocturnal, roosting in tree cavities or dense foliage during the day. It feeds on large insects, small vertebrates, and occasionally small birds, hunting from perches within the forest.

It nests in tree cavities. Its call is a distinctive trembling or wavering trill, a familiar night sound across Puerto Rico. A small, softly mottled reddish or grey-brown feather found on the island is consistent with this species.