There
have been up to 17 species of screech owls identified throughout North and South
America, but the two most common are the Western (Otus kennicotti) and
Eastern (Otus asio) screech owls. The Latin word Otus means "horned owl."
Screech owls look somewhat like tiny great horned owls because of the tufts
of feathers around their ear openings.
Despite their name, most screech owls do not screech. Their call has been described as a long whistle, a whinny, or a quivering voice.
The Eastern screech owl is only 8 to10-inches long. Its wingspan is about 22-inches long and it weighs six to seven ounces. This owl ranges from reddish to gray in color. The Western screech owl is similar in size but has feathers ranging from brown to gray in color.
In areas where their territory overlaps, the Eastern and Western screech owls can be identified by their calls. The territories of these two species overlap in Texas at the Pecos River.
Screech Owls are strictly nocturnal hunters and do not migrate. They nest in edges of wooded areas in abandoned woodpecker holes and cavities of trees, and eat mostly mice, shrews, grasshoppers, frogs, moths, and beetles. They will also eat earthworms and snails. Like other owls, they swallow their prey whole and regurgitate the indigestible parts into pellets
Screech owls normally lay four to five eggs in early spring. After about 26 days, three to four young owls begin to practice flying. These owls are protective of their young and will dive at intruders.
They are adapting very well to urban areas and are expanding their habitats. It is becoming more common to hear their call in backyards and parks.
Copyright © 1999 Chintimini Wildlife Rehabilitation Center