Common name: SCREECH OWL
Scientific name: Otus asio
Identifying characteristics:
The Screech Owl is a small nocturnal owl, approximately 6 ounces in weight and 6-7 inches in height. It appears to be a miniature of the Great Horned Owl, complete with ear tufts, and has a reputation for being courageous and rather fierce. The plumage is very soft, sometimes fluffed and sometimes held tight to the body. There are two color phases, red and gray, present in this area. The upperparts are deep in color with deep grayish overcast, especially in the gray phase. The underparts are barred with dusky buff gray over a dull-white ground color. The red phase is the same except with the gray replaced by a cinnamon color.
Range:
There are a number of varieties of Screech Owl, with overlapping territories. One or another of these varieties occupies the entire continent.
Habitat:
This little owl prefers an open woodland terrain, adjacent to fields, meadows, and marshes. They have adapted to urban areas and frequently nest near human habitations.
Nesting:
Cavity nests in hollowed-out trees are the preference, but they will accept nest boxes in lieu of natural cavities, such as the cavities made by woodpeckers. There is no nest made, as such, but the 4-6 eggs are laid directly on the bottom of the cavity.
Feeding habits:
The favorite prey is small rodents and nocturnal insects, though any prey small enough to be handled can be taken. Frequently, it catches insect prey in flight, swooping down and snagging them off branches or in the air.
Conservation status:
The Screech Owl is doing fairly well, due to its adaptation to urban settings. It is, though, subject to the dangers of that setting such as poisonings of its prey base.
