eastern screech owl

1. Bird Name
English name: Eastern Screech Owl
Scientific (Latin) name: Megascops asio

2. Appearance
Eastern Screech Owls are small, stout birds of prey, boasting two distinct color morphs – gray and rufous (red-brown). Each boasting a complex pattern of spots and streaks, this helps them blend into tree bark in their natural habitats. The gray morph is more common, particularly in the north, while the rufous type predominates in southern regions. They exhibit yellow eyes, a hooked bill and feathered feet, with notable feather tufts on their heads which resemble ears – a characteristic of so-called “Eared owls.” There is little sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females look very similar, though females are typically slightly larger.

3. Size
On average, Eastern Screech Owls measure from 16 to 25 cm (6.3 to 9.8 in) in length, with a wingspan ranging from 46 to 61 cm (18 to 24 in), and weigh between 121 to 244 g (4.3 to 8.6 oz).

4. Habitat & Distribution
This owl species is native to North America and is found east of the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic coast. It stretches from Canada’s southern regions to the north of Mexico. They prefer woodland habitats, including deciduous, evergreen, and mixed forests, often in close proximity to water bodies. They are also versatile enough to inhabit parks and suburban areas, adapting well to human-dominated landscapes.

5. Interesting Facts
Eastern Screech Owls have a fascinating camouflage tactic known as “tree-trunking” – when threatened or alarmed, they stretch their bodies and close their eyes halfway to resemble a tree branch or trunk. These owls also exhibit reverse sexual dimorphism, meaning that females are typically larger than males. Another intriguing fact is that they don’t build their nests. Instead, they use natural tree cavities or the previous nests of woodpeckers or other birds.

6. Diet
The Eastern Screech Owl is a nocturnal hunter, consuming a wide range of foods. They’re known to eat a variety of small prey, including rodents, insects, worms, spiders, amphibians, reptiles, and small birds. They hunt from dusk until the early morning hours.

7. Behavior & Sounds
These owls are known for their unique calls or songs – a series of soft, melodious hoots or trills which can vary in pitch and speed. They are sedentary creatures, often preying, breeding, and roosting within a small area. Their flight is swift with quick, silent wing beats, and they are excellent at ambush hunting due to their superb camouflage.

8. Conservation Status
The Eastern Screech Owl is currently listed as “of least concern” according to the IUCN Red List. However, they face threats from habitat loss, car collisions, and predation from larger owls.

9. Lifespan
In the wild, Eastern Screech Owls can live to be about 10 years old, while in captivity, they’ve been known to live up to 20 years.

10. Additional Notes
Despite their name suggesting a harsh call, Eastern Screech Owls produces a soft, mellow set of whinnies and trills, quite unlike a screech. They have a positive impact on ecosystems by controlling the populations of rodents and other pests. Despite being a common species, these owls are often hard to spot due to their expert camouflage and nocturnal habits, making it a thrill for birdwatchers. In some Native American and First Nations cultures, screech owls are considered harbingers of illness or death, while others view them as wise spirits or protectors.