Western Screech Owl

Megascops kennicottii

Least ConcernUncommonInvertebratesForestCavity nestMedium · 142 g

About the Western Screech Owl

The western screech owl is a small owl native to North and Central America, closely related to the eastern screech owl. The scientific name commemorates the American naturalist Robert Kennicott.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

Length averages 22 cm (8.7 in), wingspan 55 cm (22 in), and weight 143 g (5.0 oz). Weight ranges from 88 to 220 g (3.1 to 7.8 oz). Females are larger than males and northern populations are notably larger than southern populations. Adults are larger than whiskered screech owls, with larger feet and a more streaked plumage pattern. There are several morphs: brown Pacific, grey Pacific, Great Plains, Mojave, and Mexican. All have either brown or dark gray plumage with streaking on the underparts. There is no red morph. Voice: The primary call is an accelerating series of short whistles at an increasing tempo or a short then long trill falling slightly at end. Other calls: barking and chuckling, similar to the eastern screech owl. They also make a high pitched screech. The two primary songs for the Western Screech Owl are the bounce and double trill.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the Western Screech Owl sounds like

Recording: steve · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: FR · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto

Where it lives

Regular range

When to see it

Peak activity in May · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Side by side: Eastern Screech Owl vs Western Screech Owl

Learn the Western Screech Owl for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

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