Screech Owls

The Eastern and Western Screech-Owl is found in nearly every habitat throughout the United States and southern Canada. It is common in urban as well as rural areas and readily nests in nest boxes. At 9 inches, the screech owl is one of the smallest owls in North America. The eastern screech owl may be either red or gray, the western screech owl is usually gray with a darker bill. Both sexes look alike.

Despite their name, screech owls do not screech. The eastern screech owl has a tremulous, eerie cry in the night. The western screech owl has a rhythmic series of whistles.

Screech owls enjoy eating many of our garden pests including mice, shrews, large insects, small reptiles, and amphibians. As with most owls, they begin hunting soon after dark. Screech owls prefer forests, farm woodlots, and shade trees in urban and suburban backyards and parks. Screech owls will readily roost and/or nest in large birdhouses such as our screech owl house. Locate your screech owl house 10 to 30 feet above ground on mature trees such as large oaks for best results. Dead trees can provide nest sites too. Screech owls will drink and bathe in garden ponds and birdbaths at night.

Eastern Screech-Owl pairs usually are monogamous and remain together for life. Some males, however, will mate with two different females. The second female may evict the first female, lay her own eggs in the nest, and incubate both clutches.

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