Eastern Screech Owl

IraRunyanIraRunyan Registered Users Posts: 1,013 Major grins
edited January 3, 2016 in Wildlife
Eastern%20Screech%20Owl_03566.jpg
Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio)

The Eastern Screech-Owl is a short, stocky bird, with a large head and almost no neck. Its wings are rounded; its tail is short and square. Pointed ear tufts are often raised, lending its head a distinctive silhouette. Male Eastern Screech-Owls are smaller than females, and though the male is smaller, his voice is deeper than the female’s.

The two common color morphs, can be either mostly gray or mostly reddish-brown (rufous). Red and gray individuals occur across the range of the Eastern Screech-Owl, with about one-third of all individuals being red. Whatever the overall color, they are patterned with complex bands and spots that give the bird excellent camouflage against tree bark. Eyes are yellow.

Eastern Screech-Owls are active at night and are far more often heard than seen—most bird watchers know this species only from its trilling or whinnying song. These supremely camouflaged birds hide out in nooks and tree crannies during the daylight hours. Small birds can help you find screech-owls during the day. Listen for a commotion of Blue Jays, chickadees, and titmice—they may be mobbing a screech-owl, swooping around it with noisy calls.

Comments

  • StumblebumStumblebum Registered Users Posts: 8,480 Major grins
    edited December 21, 2015
    Great!
  • Tony BrittonTony Britton Registered Users Posts: 345 Major grins
    edited January 3, 2016
    Great shot and thanks again for providing such interesting information!

    Tony
  • kscooperkscooper Registered Users Posts: 387 Major grins
    edited January 3, 2016
    Ira - they are little cuties to be sure. Nice work.
    ______________________

    Eric

    good gear; not enough time
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