The Eastern Screech-Owl

The Eastern Screech-owl is a small bird measuring just 8 inches in height. It is dichromatic, which means they come in 2 distinct color patterns. Their plumage is either uniformly gray or uniformly rufous. Both color morphs include darker streaks on the head, back, wings, and breast. The Eastern Screech-Owl is well camouflaged against the bark of a tree.

It is a stocky bird with a short tail, broad wings, and a larage round head. It can be identified by its prominent ear tufts and white eyebrows.

The Eastern Screech-owl can be found throughout the eastern United States from Florida and Texas in the south to as far north as southern Canada. They are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide variety of habitats. They inhabit wooded areas as well as settle in parks and suburban areas. They can adapt to the presence of humans and will even use bird boxes for nesting.

As with most owls, the Eastern Screech-Owl does not construct its own nest. Thy are cavity nesters and will use natural cavities or those created by other animals. They will nest in bird boxes if they are readily available.

Screech-Owls form monogamous pairs and remain together for life. The female lays as average 3 to 4 eggs but can lay as many as 8 depending on the availability of prey. The eggs are incubated for approximately 26 days. The young usually fledge between 30 and 32 days after hatching.

The Eastern Screech-owl will feed on whatever is readily aviable, mice, rats, voles, birds, insects, and reptiles. It will perch on a low limb in open woods, and along forest edgest. Once it spots it prey, it swoops down and snatches it. They hunt predominately at night or near dusk. They use their excellent hearing and night vision to locate their prey.

The Eastern Screech-Owl has a variety of calls, including mating calls. It will whinny which is like a low whistle and it will trill. When attacked, it will screech.