Animals of Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve

Estación Biológica FUNDECI/GAIA

Aves

Pacific Screech-Owl Megascops cooperi

Throughout the Pacific region of Nicaragua, the sounds of this little owl can be heard. Although difficult to see at night, it might be seen more easily in the daytime, as it often roosts on low limbs in the interior of trees, sometimes near houses. The Pacific Screech-Owl is usually found in pairs or family units of three or four. The family group will call and respond frequently, making "bouncing-ball hoots" (viz. Howell and Webb).

The scientific name of the Pacific Screech-Owl is Megascops cooperi, although in literature it may be named Otus cooperi.

Megascops cooperi

This Pacific Screech-Owl inhabits the yard of Estación Biológica in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, Nicaragua. Photo by Ineke van Beek.

The Pacific Screech-Owl can be heard every evening in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve. Although spotted in daytime only occasionally, an evening birdwatching excursion always turns up a few. It is among the most vocal of the nocturnal birds in the Pacific region of Nicaragua.

Megascops cooperi

Pacific Screech-Owl in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, Nicaragua. Photo by Ineke van Beek.

Animals of Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve
Our blog entry on White-throated Magpie-Jay
Our blog entry on variegated squirrels

In Defense of Nature

Donate to FUNDECI/GAIA

Scuba Diving in Lake Apoyo

Birdwatching in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve

Apoyo Spanish School

FUNDECI/GAIA homepage

email us

Biodiversity in Nicaragua

The environment of Laguna de Apoyo is natural and nearly unspoiled.

Seed collection is performed locally to promote the conservation of local genetic varieties in natural forest restoration.

The forest inside the crater in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve is home for many reptile, bird, and mammal species.

Thanks to the efforts of FUNDECI/GAIA and the contributions of visitors to Estación Biológica, these children can attend the new, beautiful "Héroes y Mártires de Xiloá" school near the shore of Laguna de Xiloá in Chiltepe Peninsula Nature Reserve. Photo by Belén Camino.

Field identification of the reptiles of Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve. Photo by Kolby Kirk.

Many species of snakes are common in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve. Photo by Lewis Honour.

This tiny snake, Tantilla armillata, was the first of its species to be found in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve. Photo by Lewis Honour.