Western Screech-owl Bird Facts (Megascops kennicottii)

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

Resident

Breeding

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Mexico

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season

Canada Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua United States of America

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird 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 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Western Screech-owl demonstrates remarkable agility, essential for its nocturnal hunting style. Its ability to swoop down from perches to catch prey and navigate through dense forest environments showcases its nimble nature. The owl's capacity to turn its head up to 270 degrees further enhances its agility in tracking and capturing prey.

Strength 40

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

As a small owl species, the Western Screech-owl possesses moderate strength relative to its size. It's capable of capturing and carrying small mammals, birds, and other prey, but its strength is limited compared to larger raptors. The owl's size range of 120-305 grams suggests a modest physical power.

Adaptability 80

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Western Screech-owls exhibit high adaptability, thriving in various wooded habitats from sea level to 2,200 metres elevation. Their ability to inhabit both natural forests and urban parks demonstrates significant ecological flexibility. Additionally, their diverse diet and capacity to adjust hunting strategies based on seasonal prey availability further illustrates their adaptable nature.

Aggressiveness 70

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

These owls display considerable aggressiveness, particularly in defending their territories and nesting sites. They are known to vigorously protect their areas and often return to the same nesting sites year after year, indicating a strong territorial instinct. However, their aggression is primarily defensive rather than offensive.

Endurance 65

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The Western Screech-owl shows good endurance for its size. As a non-migratory species maintaining year-round territories, it must withstand various seasonal conditions. Its ability to hunt actively throughout the night and care for young over an extended period suggests decent stamina. However, as a small bird, its overall endurance is naturally limited compared to larger or migratory species.

Diet

Western Screech-owls are mainly an insectivorous species. However, they are opportunistic predators and will feed on anything available.

They primarily feed on small mammals such as mice, voles, and shrews but also consume insects, small birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Scorpions, earthworms, and spiders are also caught. Insect prey includes crickets, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. During winter, they may focus more on rodents, while insects become a more significant part of their diet in warmer months.

Western Screech-owls rely on both sight and sound to hunt, catching prey after swooping from branch perches in trees.

Behaviour

Western Screech-owls are primarily nocturnal, roosting in tree cavities or dense foliage during the day. They hunt from perches, swooping down to catch prey.

These owls are highly territorial and will vigorously defend their nesting areas, often returning to the same site year after year.

Vocalisation

Despite its name, the Western screech-owl doesn’t actually screech, instead making a series of accelerating hoots with an intensifying pace.

The most distinctive call is a series of short, whistled hoots that accelerate in tempo, often described as a "bouncing ball" sound. It typically sounds like "pew pew pew pew pew-pew-pew."

They also produce various trills, barks, and screeches, particularly when alarmed or defending territory.

Nesting & Breeding

Western Screech-owls form monogamous pairs and begin breeding in late winter or early spring. Males attract females with a series of soft, rhythmic hoots and by presenting potential nest sites.

Nests are typically located in tree cavities, often those excavated by woodpeckers. The female lays 2-5 smooth white, round eggs directly on the bottom of the cavity without adding nesting material.

Incubation lasts about 26 days, solely by the female. The male provides food during this time. Young owls fledge at about 28-35 days old but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern ^[1]

While the Western Screech-owl is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss due to urban development and logging.

Conservation efforts focus on preserving mature forests and maintaining suitable nesting cavities. In some areas, nest box programs have been implemented to support breeding populations.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

180,000 mature individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Western Screech Owl

Family:

Strigidae

Average Lifespan

2 years

Max Lifespan

13 years ^[4]

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?

Western Screech-owls can turn their heads up to 270 degrees.
They have asymmetrical ear openings, which helps them pinpoint prey by sound.
Some individuals have a reddish-brown plumage variant called the "rufous morph."

FAQs

What color are Western screech owls?

Western screech owls are generally a mottled mixture of dark gray, brown, and white. Coloring varies across their range, with northwestern birds having a reddish wash, while the plumage of those further inland and to the south features more gray tones. They have bright yellow eyes.

Do Western screech owls come out during the day?

Although a strictly nocturnal species, during the breeding season western screech-owls (particularly males) will head out to hunt during daylight if the feeding demands of hungry young owlets mean they may need to seek additional prey during the day.

Do Western screech owls eat squirrels?

Western screech owls do eat squirrels although they are not among their primary prey. Normally they hunt smaller mammals, including voles, shrews and mice. However, if the opportunity arises to catch a squirrel, then may well give it their best shot.

How do you attract Western screech owls?

Tall trees with existing cavities for nesting offer western screech-owls a ready-made nesting spot. Mounting artificial nest boxes and adding wood chips as a lining may also tempt them to set up a home in your yard.

The best way to attract owls is to provide their natural habitat, with access to fresh water, tree cover, and the opportunity to catch prey, including plants that will encourage different insect species.

References

1
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Megascops kennicottii. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22688747A93207555.
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3 4
report, 2007: Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher and Niven
2
website, 2022: Partners in Flight
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