Eastern Screech Owl
TYPE: Bird
STATUS:
Least Concern
QUICK STATS
Body size
Height: 7–9 inches
Wingspan: 18–24 inches
native habitat
Woodlands, trees, suburban landscapes of the Eastern United States
diet
Insects, small birds, rodents
Reproduction
2–6 eggs per clutch
life expectancy
14 years on average
predators
Larger Owls, weasels, raccoons, skunks, snakes, crows
natural defenses
Camouflage, vocal warnings
About the Species
This is the smallest species of owl you’ll find in Florida, but it can eat up to a full grown mouse every day.
Prominent Around Us
The Eastern Screech-Owl is found wherever trees are, and they’re even willing to nest in backyard nest boxes. Though they have excellent camouflage, their call is distinctive if you hear it.
They are small with almost no neck, but their ear tufts give them a distinctive silhouette often associated with owls in general.
Megascops asio
Despite their name, Eastern screech owls don’t “screech.” Instead, make more of a they whinny sound.
WORD FROM
THE EXPERTS
