Scientists in Costa Rica have documented a rare predation event involving three raptor species in Corcovado National Park. During a field excursion, researchers observed an ornate hawk-eagle (Spizaetus ornatus) catching and killing a crested owl (Lophostrix cristata), an event never before recorded. The ornate hawk-eagle, known for preying on medium-sized birds and mammals, faced a challenge when a common black hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus) attempted to steal the kill through kleptoparasitism. The eagle successfully defended its meal, moving the owl to a high branch within the forest. The study, published in the Caribbean Journal of Science, highlights that while intraguild predation among raptors is not uncommon, direct observations of owls being preyed upon by eagles are exceptionally rare. Researchers note that this single observation contributes to understanding predator-prey dynamics in tropical raptor communities. The ornate hawk-eagle, with a wingspan exceeding one meter, is a powerful forest predator capable of targeting various species, including cracids, toucans, monkeys, and squirrels. The documentation of this event underscores the complex ecological interactions within forest ecosystems, emphasizing that even nocturnal raptors like crested owls can be vulnerable to larger predators. This finding adds to the growing body of knowledge about raptor behavior and ecological relationships in tropical environments.