Eastern Screech Owl
(Otus asioer)
 

Range: Eastern and Central North America

Habitat: Forests

Diet: Mice, worms, insects.

Identification: Small owl with small “tufts” on either side of their heads, bright yellow eyes. Can be either red phase (like this one) or grey phase.

Notes: These tiny owls are only a few inches tall. Eastern screech owls vary greatly in color, from reddish brown to grey. Like most owls eastern screech owls are nocturnal and their feathers make extremely little sound as they fly. Owl feathers are not rigid like normal feathers and the air passes through them easier. They are also gifted with excellent sight and hearing, making locating prey easier. Screech owls eat small rodents like mice and chipmunks as well as small invertebrates. Screech owls can be identified by their short stature, symmetrical tufts, and bright yellow eyes. Screech owls produce a variety of sounds. These owls are one of the most common owls. Eastern screech owls try to blend into their surroundings, using camouflage to blend into bark on trees.  Eastern screech owls are cavity nesters. This species of owl guards their nest and is willing to take to violence if they deem it necessary.

At The Children’s Museum: The Children’s Museum has a screech owl in the UTC Wildlife Sanctuary.