Eastern Screech-Owl
ExploreBirds
Eastern Screech-Owl
Megascops asio
The Eastern Screech-Owl is a small owl that can be gray or red. They are great at hiding in trees and make a funny sound that sounds like a whistle. These owls are active at night and love to hunt for insects and small animals.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Eastern Screech-Owl is a small, stocky owl with striking yellow eyes and prominent ear tufts. It comes in two distinct color variations: a rufous (reddish-brown) morph and a gray morph. These color forms provide excellent camouflage, helping it blend perfectly with tree bark.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderStrigiformesFamilyStrigidaeGenusMegascops
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Eastern Screech-Owls can sing duets with their mate, a rare and charming owl trait!
These owls sometimes shiver, mimicking a swaying branch to hide from predators!
They often nest in old woodpecker holes or natural tree cavities, not building their own.
They sometimes store extra food, like mice, in their tree cavities for later snacks!
Special abilities
Ability
Silent Hunter
Eastern Screech-Owls can fly almost silently because their specialized feathers have soft fringes that muffle sound, helping them surprise prey.
Ability
Head Swivel
Eastern Screech-Owls can turn their heads nearly 270 degrees because their eyes are fixed, allowing them to scan surroundings for prey.
Ability
Instant Camouflage
Eastern Screech-Owls have two distinct color morphs that help them blend perfectly into different tree barks, making them almost invisible.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 16-25 cm
- Wingspan
- 48-61 cm
- Weight
- 0.121-0.244 kg
- Lifespan
- 2-10 years
- Top Speed
- 45 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2-6
- Incubation
- 26-30 days
Diet & Feeding
These small predators eat mostly insects and small mammals, hunting at night.
Primary Foods
- Mice
- Voles
- Large insects
- Small birds
- Frogs
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
Traits
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Ambush Predator
An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Always watch owls from a distance and never try to touch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Eastern Screech-Owl?
16-25 cm
What is Eastern Screech-Owl's wingspan?
48-61 cm
How much does Eastern Screech-Owl weigh?
0.121-0.244 kg
How long does Eastern Screech-Owl live?
2-10 years
How fast can Eastern Screech-Owl move?
45 km/h
What does Eastern Screech-Owl eat?
These small predators eat mostly insects and small mammals, hunting at night.
Where is Eastern Screech-Owl usually found?
Forests
How does Eastern Screech-Owl hunt?
Ambush
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