screech owl

1. Bird Name
The bird in focus is the Screech Owl. The scientific or Latin name for this bird is Megascops Asio.

2. Appearance
Screech owls show a variety in coloration, with typical shades being a muted gray, rufous, or a striking mix of both. They are known for their distinct ‘ear’ tufts that, despite the name, are not used for hearing. These birds boast a prominent rounded head with a hooked yellow beak, and a mosaic of feather texture patterning their upper body which aids in camouflage. Their eyes are an arresting bright yellow. When it comes to sexual dimorphism, both male and female Screech owls look virtually identical — a rarity among bird species.

3. Size
On average, a Screech owl can grow up to 25 cm (10 inches) in length. Their wingspans hover around the 60 cm (24 inches) mark. As fair-sized birds, Screech owls usually weigh between 121 and 244 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution
Screech owls are largely native to North and Central America, specifically distributed across the USA, Mexico, and extending to some eastern parts of Canada. These elusive owls prefer wooded habitats, from dense forests to suburbs dotted with trees. They seem relatively adaptable to human habitation, often occupying nest boxes in backyards.

5. Interesting Facts
Interestingly, Screech owls are one of the few owl species that have multiple color morphs, contradicting the pervasive notion of owls as monochrome birds. Also, despite their ominous name, their call is softer than a screech; more like soft trills and whinnies. Finally, despite their predatory nature, Screech owls can be preyed upon by larger owls and raptors.

6. Diet
Screech owls are carnivores by nature. They predominantly feed on a diet that includes small rodents, insects, and other small-sized birds.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Screech owls are nocturnal birds known for their unique nesting styles, often making use of abandoned tree cavities or utilizing nest boxes put out by humans. Their call, perhaps surprisingly, is a soft, mournful trill or a horse-like whinny, far from the ‘screech’ their name suggests.

8. Conservation Status
The Screech owl is currently listed as “least concern” by the IUCN Red List. This resilient bird species has managed to adapt well to human habitation, increasing its chances of survival.

9. Lifespan
Screech owls have a typical lifespan of around 10 years in the wild. In captivity, where the risk of predation and illness is usually less, they can live up to 14 years.

10. Additional Notes
In certain Native American cultures, such as the Apache and the Navajo, Screech owls are often associated with death and evil, reflecting in their folklore and mythologies. Despite their somewhat fearsome reputation in folklore, Screech Owls play a helpful role in the ecosystem by controlling rodent and insect populations.