Eastern Screech-Owl

Eastern Screech-Owl
Otus asio

Habitat:	Woodlands, cemeteries, and gardens.

Range:	Eastern United States westward to the Rocky Mountains and into extreme southern Canada.

Voice:	A descending and quavering whistle similar to a horse's whinny. Also a low trill held on one note.

Identification:	Length: 8 - 10 inches Wingspan: 18 - 24 inches Weight: 6 - 7 ounces A small owl with ear tufts and yellow eyes. The facial disk is grayish white surrounded by black. Has a grayish body with thick streaking on underparts. Can also be found in a reddish brown color.

Diet:		Feeds mostly on small mammals, sometimes birds, and rarely insects, reptiles, and amphibians.

Nest:	Nests in cavities, either hollow trees or man-made nest boxes. Begins nesting in March. Lays 2 - 7 eggs. Incubation takes 26 days and is mostly by the female. The young fledge after about four weeks.

Comments:	This is a nocturnal owl that will often roost in a cavity such as a hollow tree or nest box where it will often sit in the entrance. When discovered while roosting this owl will flatten its body, stick up its ear tufts, and close its eyes in an attempt to blend into the background. This owl comes in two colors called morphs: reddish brown and gray.