Eastern Screech Owl

The Eastern Screech Owl, Megascops asio, is a diminutive and common owl found throughout Eastern North America. Adults range from 16 to 25 cm in length and weigh between 121 and 244 grams. They exhibit a robust build, with a large, round head adorned with ear tufts, yellow eyes, and a yellowish beak. Their plumage is intricately patterned, either rusty or dark gray, with streaking on the underparts. These owls are well-adapted to various wooded environments and have shown remarkable adaptability to human development.

Identification Tips

To identify the Eastern Screech Owl, look for a stocky, short-tailed bird with a wingspan of 46 to 61 cm. They have prominent ear tufts, and their feet are relatively large and powerful, often feathered down to the toes. The bill averages 1.45 cm in length. Two color morphs exist: red or rufous, and gray, with a rarer brown morph found in the south.

Habitat

Eastern Screech Owls favor open mixed woodlands, deciduous forests, parklands, and wooded suburban areas. They are also found in riparian woods, mature orchards, and woodlands near marshes, meadows, and fields. They tend to avoid areas with regular activity from larger owls.

Distribution

This species is native to most wooded environments of its distribution, from Mexico to Canada. They are particularly common in Eastern North America and have adapted well to manmade development.

Behaviour

Strictly nocturnal, Eastern Screech Owls roost during the day in cavities or close to tree trunks. They are often heard calling at night, especially during the spring breeding season. Their call is a distinctive tremolo with a descending, whinny-like quality.

Song & Calls

The Eastern Screech Owl's primary song is a tremulous whinny, and they also produce a monotone purring trill lasting 3–5 seconds. Their vocalizations are unique and differ noticeably from their western counterparts.

Breeding

Eastern Screech Owls nest in tree cavities, either natural or excavated by woodpeckers, and may use nesting boxes. They lay from one to six eggs per clutch, with incubation lasting about 26 days. The young fledge at approximately 31 days old.

Similar Species

The Western Screech Owl (Megascops kennicottii) is the most similar species, but it lacks color morphs and has a darker bill. Other small owls like the Northern Saw-whet Owl can be distinguished by size, lack of ear tufts, and coloration.

Diet and Feeding

These owls are opportunistic hunters, preying on a wide variety of animals including insects, small mammals, birds, and occasionally fish, reptiles, and amphibians. They hunt mainly from perches, using their acute hearing and vision to locate prey.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Eastern Screech Owl as Least Concern, indicating a stable population. They are also listed in CITES Appendix II, reflecting their wide distribution and adaptability to human-altered landscapes.