As the twilight descends upon our mountain retreat, a chorus of nocturnal creatures awakens. Amongst the symphony of chirps and croaks, a haunting hoot pierces the stillness – the unmistakable call of the Mottled Owl, a resident hunter in the verdant tapestry of Costa Rican forests.

This blog post is dedicated to this elusive predator, a common sight (or rather, sound) for those venturing into the Costa Rican mountains. So, grab your cup of locally-sourced coffee, settle into your cozy cabina, and prepare to delve into the fascinating world of the Mottled Owl.

A Master of Camouflage:

The Mottled Owl (Strix virgata) is a medium-sized wonder, perfectly adapted to its tropical habitat. Its plumage is a masterpiece of camouflage – a mottled mix of brown and buff on its back, with a stark white chest adorned with vertical brown bars. This cryptic coloration allows it to blend seamlessly with tree bark and shadows, making it nearly invisible to unsuspecting prey.

Unlike its Great Horned Owl cousin, the Mottled Owl boasts a round head without ear tufts. Their eyes, however, are just as captivating – a deep, rich brown framed by distinctive white crescents on either side of the bill.

A Nocturnal Specialist:

Come nightfall, the Mottled Owl emerges from its daytime roost, hidden deep within the dense foliage of towering trees. Unlike many owls, they don’t restrict themselves to the highest branches. You might find them perched on a lower rung, a fence post, or even a conveniently placed road sign, patiently scanning the forest floor for their next meal.

Their keen eyesight and exceptional hearing make them formidable predators. They hunt a variety of small creatures, including insects, rodents, lizards, and even small birds. With silent wings and a lightning-fast strike, the Mottled Owl is a master of the hunt.

Adaptable and Widespread:

The beauty of the Mottled Owl lies in its adaptability. They thrive in a variety of wooded habitats, from rainforests and woodlands to dry thorn forests and even open fields with scattered trees. This adaptability makes them a common resident throughout Costa Rica, from the lush lowlands to the heights of our mountain retreat.

While not particularly shy, the Mottled Owl prefers the cloak of darkness. However, with a bit of patience and a keen eye (or ear!), you might just catch a glimpse of this magnificent predator during your stay at our retreat.

Listen to the Night:

Keep your ears tuned for the Mottled Owl’s distinctive call – a series of varied hoots that some have likened to a dog’s bark. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a pair perched on a branch, their large, round eyes reflecting the moonlight.

The Mottled Owl is a silent guardian of the Costa Rican night, a testament to the diversity and wonder that awaits you in the mountains. So, put down your phone, step outside your cabina, and lose yourself in the symphony of the night. You might just be rewarded with an encounter with this magnificent, cryptically colored hunter.

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica