We also supply literature to researchers from our avian research library, which helps scientists around the world gather and share important information on raptor conservation. Its range continues into a large part of Central America. It is a resident of many of the countries in the region including Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua. Throughout its range, this beautiful owl can be found in a diverse number of habitats. It lives in deciduous and evergreen forests, lowland creeks, riparian areas, deserts, scrubland, and may even be seen living and nesting in urban parks throughout its range.
In North America, it may be found in areas dominated by cottonwood trees, oaks, and willows, among other tree species. The Western Screech-Owl is a tiny owl that comes in several colors. Unlike many birds of prey, such as the Swainson's Hawk , which has a light and dark morph, the Western Screech-Owl has color morphs with names that could be found in a box of crayons, such as gray Pacific, brown Pacific and Mojave.
Generally speaking, however, they are overall grayish or brownish with heavy streaking on the body. They have pointy little ear tufts, large yellow eyes, a yellow bill and a rounded head and body.
Due to its gray-brown coloration and wide streaking, the Western Screech-Owl is a poster child for excellent camouflage. It blends in perfectly with the bark of many of the trees that grow within its habitat. When roosting, a screech-owl that senses danger or feels like it is being watched will often straighten its body from head to toe, partially close its eyes, and remain perfectly still — all in the hope of blending in with the tree and fooling potential predators into thinking they are looking at tree bark and not a tasty meal!
Contrary to what its name would have you believe, the Western Screech-Owl does not screech. Instead, its call is comprised of a series of trills, which bring to mind the sound of a bouncing ball. However, depending on what they hope to communicate, their calls can also be in the form of hoots, whistles, and even barks.
Both males and females will sing or call to warn of potential predators or other dangers, beg for food, communicate with their mates, or express agitation. Due to its small size, effective camouflage, and the fact that it is mostly nocturnal, the Western Screech-Owl has escaped much of the human persecution that plagues other birds of prey.
This owl also seems to adapt well to altered habitat as long as the area is not densely occupied by humans. Their wings are broad and the head is held tucked in, giving the bird a stubby appearance when flying. The Eastern Screech Owl has two color phases, rufous and gray. Rufous individuals live mainly in the south more pine trees and gray individuals in the north more oak trees. The breast and belly are heavily streaked and spotted with black. Males and females look alike. They are approximately eight inches tall, with yellow eyes.
They have ear tufts, which are conspicuous when raised. Eastern Screech Owls have a light-colored beak and make a descending trill or whinny vocalization. This subspecies ranges from the Canadian boreal forests south to Mexico. They live in all forest types and prefer woodlands that are interspersed with the open clearings, meadows, and fields necessary for hunting.
They also inhabit wetlands, orchards, suburban parks and gardens, and towns. Before the breeding season, males defend an area containing several cavities. Climate threats facing the Eastern Screech-Owl Choose a temperature scenario below to see which threats will affect this species as warming increases.
More News. Explore Similar Birds. The Bird Guide Adopt a Bird. Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Latin: Glaucidium brasilianum. Flammulated Owl Latin: Psiloscops flammeolus. Northern Pygmy-Owl Latin: Glaucidium gnoma. Northern Saw-whet Owl Latin: Aegolius acadicus. Western Screech-Owl Latin: Megascops kennicottii. Whiskered Screech-Owl Latin: Megascops trichopsis. These birds need your help. Get Audubon in Your Inbox Let us send you the latest in bird and conservation news. Email address. Find Audubon Near You Visit your local Audubon center, join a chapter, or help save birds with your state program.
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Join Today. Spread the word. Stay abreast of Audubon Our email newsletter shares the latest programs and initiatives. Still widespread and fairly common, but thought to have been gradually declining in various parts of range. Helped in some areas by provision of nest boxes. Woodlands, farm groves, shade trees. Generally favors deciduous or mixed woods, but may be found in any habitat having some open ground and some large trees, from forest to isolated groves to suburban yards.
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