The Tropical Screech-owl (Megascops choliba) is a small species of owl in the Strigidae family. It is found throughout South America (including Trinidad and Tobago), except in the Andes, the arid Pacific lowlands, and the far south. Its distribution also extends into southern Central America in Costa Rica and Panama. It is generally common - in large parts of its range among the commonest species of owls. It occurs in a wide range of wooded habitats, ranging from arid Caatinga to rainforest, and even city parks. This polymorphic species is highly variable in colour, it being overall grey, brown or rich rufous, but always with a relatively distinctive blackish edge to the face and yellow irides.