Western Screech-owl

Megascops kennicottii

Western screech-owls are a relatively widespread and abundant species in the western regions of North America, found in a range of habitat types from woodlands and suburban parks and gardens with mature tree cover to the arid mesquite landscapes of the Sonoran Desert.

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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Western Screech-owl is a small, compact owl with prominent ear tufts and large yellow eyes. Its plumage is mottled grey or brown, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. The breast features fine vertical streaks and bars. Legs and feet are bristled with short gray feathers.

There is little difference between males and females in appearance, although females tend to be noticeably larger. Juveniles resemble adults but may have a fluffier, less defined plumage.

The owl's coloration can vary slightly based on its habitat, with more reddish-brown variants in some regions. The sharp, curved bill which is black in more southern populations and a lighter shade of gray in northern birds.

Size

Length

19cm to 25cm

Wingspan

54cm to 61cm

Weight

120g to 305g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Grey Brown

Secondary Colour

White

Beak Colour

Grey

Leg Colour

Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Western Screech-owl can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Western Screech-owl is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Western Screech-owl is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Western Screech-owl is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Western Screech-owl can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Western Screech-owl is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Western Screech-owl is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Western Screech-owl is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Western Screech-owl is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Western Screech-owl is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Western Screech-owl is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Western Screech-owl is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Western Screech-owls inhabit a variety of wooded habitats, including deciduous and coniferous forests, riparian woodlands, and urban parks. They are found throughout western North America, from Alaska south to Mexico and east to the Rocky Mountains.

In the United States, they are common in western states such as California, Oregon, and Washington. These owls are non-migratory, maintaining year-round territories throughout their range.

Populations are particularly concentrated across Arizona’s mesquite landscapes. Breeding has also occurred in Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 2,200 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Western 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