Class: Aves Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae Genus: Magascops Species: asio
The eastern screech owl is one of the smallest owls in North America, and naturally occurs in two color phases, red (rufous) and gray. It is common for brood mates to have different colors, and color does not designate any specific characteristics. Screech owls are found in a variety of areas from woodlands to cities and are one of the most strictly nocturnal owls.
The call of the screech owl is not a screech, as one might infer. It is a soft, mournful whinny, which is heard most often in spring and fall. Screech owls usually respond easily to imitated calls and squeaking noises.
A screech owl normally takes residence in natural tree cavities, hollow stumps, or nesting holes made by other birds, rather than building its own nest. They will roost during the day in dark places and become active after most other owls have returned to roost and then will stay active until just before dawn. Screech owls are fond of water and often bathe in backyard birdbaths or puddles.
Their diet in the wild will consist of insects, mice, frogs, fish and spiders while in captivity they are usually fed rodents.
Help Feed Our Screech OwlsAll owls are protected by the federal government against poaching and trapping.
Screech owls do not migrate. They maintain home ranges throughout the winter.
Screech owls are one of the smallest owl species with an average length of six inches.
