Eastern Screech-Owl
The Eastern Screech-Owl (Otus asio) is possibly one of the most easily-recognized owl in eastern North America. It is a small bird, 8-10 inches in length that comes in 2 color morphs: a gray morph and a red morph. There are also intermediates between these two morphs that are more of a reddish brown color. The Eastern Screech-Owl has ear tufts, which it can lay down to give the head a rounded appearance. It also has yellow eyes, a pale bill, streaked underparts, white spots on the shoulders, and it is a bright rusty brown to gray color.
Eastern Screech-Owls are nocturnal and become active at dusk. They feed on a wide variety of animals including insects, spiders, crawfish, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and fish. The song of the Eastern Screech-Owl is a series of quivering, descending whistles or a low trill that is all on one pitch.
These little owls are found in a variety of habitats including woodlots, forests, swamps, and gardens. This owl is considered widespread and fairly common.
For additional information and a range map, click here.
Click on the player below to hear Eastern Screech-Owl Vocalizations.
Eastern Screech-Owls are nocturnal and become active at dusk. They feed on a wide variety of animals including insects, spiders, crawfish, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and fish. The song of the Eastern Screech-Owl is a series of quivering, descending whistles or a low trill that is all on one pitch.
These little owls are found in a variety of habitats including woodlots, forests, swamps, and gardens. This owl is considered widespread and fairly common.
For additional information and a range map, click here.
Click on the player below to hear Eastern Screech-Owl Vocalizations.