About the Eastern Screech Owl
The eastern screech owl or eastern screech-owl is a stocky, short-tailed owl that is relatively common in Eastern North America, from Mexico to Canada. Mid-sized for a screech owl, the species resides in most types of woodland habitats across its range and is relatively adaptable to urban and developed areas compared to other owls. Although it often lives in close proximity to humans, the eastern screech owl frequently avoids detection due to its strictly nocturnal habits.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
Adults range from 16 to 25 cm (6+1⁄2 to 10 in) in length and weigh 121–244 g (4+1⁄4–8+5⁄8 oz). Among the differently sized races, length can average from 19.5 to 23.8 cm (7+11⁄16 to 9+3⁄8 in). The wingspan can range from 46 to 61 cm (18 to 24 in). In Ohio, male owls average 166 g (5+7⁄8 oz) and females 194 g (6+7⁄8 oz) while in central Texas, they average 157 g (5+1⁄2 oz) and 185 g (6+1⁄2 oz), respectively. They have either rusty or dark gray intricately patterned plumage with streaking on the underparts.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Eastern Screech Owl sounds like
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in May · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Western Screech OwlMegascops kennicottiiLength averages 22 cm (8.7 in), wingspan 55 cm (22 in), and weight 143 g (5.0 oz).
Tropical Screech OwlMegascops cholibaThe tropical screech owl is polymorphic, with much variation in color.
Whiskered Screech OwlMegascops trichopsisAdults occur in 2 color morphs, in either brown or dark grey plumage.
Side by side: Eastern Screech Owl vs Western Screech Owl
Learn the Eastern Screech Owl for real
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