The Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio) is a small owl native to eastern North America, from Mexico to Canada. It is a short, stocky bird with a large head and almost no neck. Its wings are rounded; its tail is short and square. It has two color morphs: gray and red, with gray being the most common.
Physical Traits
Eastern Screech-Owls have pointed ear tufts that are often raised. They vary in color from gray to bright rufous (reddish-brown). Nestlings are covered with fluffy white down. They are 8 – 9 inches long, and their wingspan can reach up to 2 meters (6.6 feet).
Life Span
The average life span of an Eastern Screech-Owl is 5 – 10 years in the wild, but they can live up to 15 years in captivity.
Habitat
Eastern Screech-Owls do not migrate and are found in virtually all habitats below a 5,000-foot elevation. They prefer wooded areas such as woods, suburbs, parks, and backyards.
Diet
Eastern Screech-Owls are carnivores who eat mammals, birds, earthworms, insects, crayfish, tadpoles, frogs, and lizards. They fly down trees to capture prey or hunt from perches on branches or posts.
Reproduction
Eastern Screech-Owls breed between February and July, depending on location. The female lays 3 – 6 eggs that hatch after about 25 days of incubation by both parents. The young owlets leave the nest at 4 – 5 weeks old but remain dependent on their parents for another month or two before becoming independent hunters.
Conservation Status
The Eastern Screech-Owl is listed as the Least Concern by the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution range and stable population trend despite some localized declines due to habitat loss or degradation caused by human activities such as urbanization or deforestation.
Interesting Facts
The vocalizations of the Eastern Screech-Owl include a distinctive whinny-like call and a low-pitched trill given during nesting season to maintain pair bonds between mates or family groups!
