Eastern Screech-owl
Megascops asio
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Eastern Screech-owl is a small owl with prominent ear tufts and large yellow eyes. It occurs in two distinct color morphs: grey and rufous-red. Both morphs have complex patterns of streaks and bands that provide excellent camouflage against tree bark.
Adults typically measure 16-25 cm in length. There is no significant difference in appearance between males and females, though females are slightly larger on average.
Size
Length
16cm to 25cm
Wingspan
46cm to 61cm
Weight
121g to 244g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey Brown Red
Secondary Colour
White
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Eastern Screech-owls are found throughout eastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to the Rocky Mountains. They inhabit various wooded environments, including deciduous and mixed forests, woodlots, and suburban areas with mature trees.
These owls are non-migratory and maintain year-round territories. They are particularly common in the eastern United States, adapting well to human-altered landscapes with sufficient tree cover.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 1,500 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Eastern Screech-owl. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Eastern Screech-owl demonstrates remarkable agility, with its ability to swoop silently and navigate through dense foliage. Its small size and adaptability to various wooded environments suggest high manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst capable of capturing small prey, the Eastern Screech-owl's diminutive size (16-25 cm in length) limits its overall strength. It's adapted for catching smaller animals rather than overpowering larger ones.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
This species shows exceptional adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats from forests to suburban areas. Its ability to utilise both natural cavities and artificial nest boxes, coupled with its varied diet, indicates high adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Eastern Screech-owls are described as highly territorial, vigorously defending their nesting areas. This, combined with their predatory nature, suggests a relatively high level of aggressiveness, particularly during breeding season.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
While not migratory, these owls demonstrate good endurance through their year-round territorial behaviour and nocturnal hunting. Their ability to lower body temperature to conserve energy also contributes to their endurance, though their small size may limit extended physical exertion.
Diet
Eastern Screech-owls are opportunistic predators with a diverse diet. They primarily feed on small mammals such as mice and voles but also consume insects, small birds, amphibians, and reptiles. These owls hunt from perches, swooping down to capture prey with their sharp talons.
Behaviour
Eastern Screech-owls are primarily nocturnal, roosting in tree cavities or dense foliage during the day. They are highly territorial and will vigorously defend their nesting areas.
These owls often perch motionless, relying on their camouflage to avoid detection and swoop silently when hunting prey.
Vocalisation
The Eastern Screech-owl's most recognizable call is a descending tremolo whistle, often described as a 'whinny.' They also produce a monotonous trill, typically used for territorial defense and pair bonding.
Despite their name, these owls do not actually screech; their vocalizations are more melodious.
Nesting & Breeding
Eastern Screech-owls typically form monogamous pairs and breed once per year. The breeding season usually begins in late winter or early spring, with courtship involving mutual calling and food sharing.
These owls are cavity nesters, utilizing natural tree hollows, old woodpecker holes, or artificial nest boxes. Females lay 2-6 white eggs, which are incubated for about 26 days.
Both parents care for the young, with the male providing food while the female broods. Owlets fledge at around four weeks old but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Eastern Screech-owl is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss due to urbanization and deforestation.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving woodland habitats and providing nest boxes in urban and suburban areas to support breeding populations.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their distinctive trill call at night, especially during the breeding season
- Check tree cavities and dense foliage during the day for roosting owls
- Look for pellets or whitewash beneath potential roosting sites
- Use a flashlight at night to spot their reflective eyes
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include larger owls such as Great Horned Owls, as well as hawks, raccoons, and domestic cats in urban areas.
Did You Know?
- Eastern Screech-owls can lower their body temperature to conserve energy during cold weather.
- They have asymmetrical ear openings, which helps them pinpoint the location of sounds.
- These owls sometimes cache surplus food in tree cavities for later consumption.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Megascops asio. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T155660662A152331179.
View source - 2 3
report, 2017: Sauer et al.
Share Your Feedback
We value your opinion! Let us know what you think about this bird page.