GENERAL INFORMATION

Owls are quite unique birds. Although they are classified as raptors (birds that use their talons/feet to catch prey), owls are very different from many other birds of prey in their anatomy, feather structure, and hunting techniques. They are noted for their large head and large eyes which are fixed in the skull, making it necessary for them to rotate their heads in order to change their view. Their hearing is very acute and in many species the ears, which are crescent-shaped slits beneath the facial feathers, are placed asymmetrically (unevenly) on the head in order to better pick up sound. Owls also have distinctive facial disks which help to direct sound toward the ears. The flight of an owl is almost noiseless due to tiny fringe-like structures found along the leading edge of the wing. This allows an owl to fly quietly towards its prey without detection.

DESCRIPTION

The Eastern Screech Owl is one of our smallest owls, measuring only 8 to 9 inches in length. They have yellow eyes and prominent ear tufts which aren't ears at all but simply elongated feathers on the top of the head. Eastern Screech Owls are noted for occurring in two distinct colors, red and gray. Their small size and distinct ear tufts lead many people to believe that the screech owl is actually a baby Great Horned Owl.

HABITS AND HABITATS

Eastern Screech Owls are quite common in our area and live in a variety of habitats. Woodlands are preferred, especially those with conifers present. Eastern Screech Owls are quite adaptable and often will live even in suburban areas if suitable nesting sites are available. Screech owls make their nests in tree cavities, either naturally occurring ones or abandoned woodpecker holes. They will often readily accept artificial nest boxes as well. They do not bring in any nesting material, instead laying their eggs directly on the wooden chips and debris found on the floor of the cavity. Two to six eggs are laid, usually in April, and require around 26 days to hatch. They are strong, faithful incubators, often reluctant to leave the nest even when disturbed. The female Eastern Screech Owl does most of the incubating of the eggs, but both parents are involved in caring for the young after hatching. By day, Eastern Screech Owls sit quietly among the branches of a tree. If danger threatens, these little owls protect themselves by elongating their bodies and extending their ear tufts to resemble and blend into the tree branches. They shut their eyes down to a mere slit and remain perfectly still until the threat has passed. By night, they are hunters, preying on mice, insects, snakes, lizards, crayfish, salamanders, and even other birds.

HISTORY

Eastern Screech Owls get their name from the Western Screech Owl whose call can often be heard right at dark. An old saying is that hearing the call of the Screech Owl means that someone is going to die! Actually, the Screech Owl has multiple calls, one a mournful wailing sound, and another, a plaintive, tremulous whistle which is often heard after the first call is repeated one or more times. The Screech Owl, due to its small size and adaptability, is often found living in close proximity to humans. Screech Owls often hunt in the grassy and brushy borders along our highways and are often hit by cars as they fly low across the roadway. The Screech Owl, like all other birds of prey, are protected by state and federal laws.

INFORMATION LINKS

Raptor Center - St. Paul, MN

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©2002 WNC Nature Center