Species · GBIF taxon 2497415
Eastern Screech Owl
Megascops asioAlso known as Ghost Owl, Shivering Owl, Little Horned Owl
Eastern screech owls are masters of disguise, blending seamlessly into tree bark with their intricate grey or rufous plumage. During the day, they roost quietly in tree cavities or close to tree trunks, relying on their feather patterns and ear tufts to mimic broken branches. At night, their eerie, descending whinnies and tremolos echo through woodlands and suburban backyards as they hunt for small prey.
NocturnalCamouflagedPredatory
Licensed referenceWolfgang Wander / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Carnivorous (insects, small mammals, birds, and amphibians)
- family
- Strigidae
- threats
- Habitat loss, rodenticide poisoning, vehicle collisions, and predation by larger owls
- life Span
- 8 to 10 years in the wild
LC
Capable of scratching or biting if handled; observe quietly from a respectful distance.
Nesting pairs are highly sensitive to disturbance and will abandon nests or aggressively defend their young if humans approach too closely.
Keep a distance of at least 15 meters from active nest cavities and avoid playing recorded calls during the breeding season.- Listen at Dusk: Listen for their distinctive, horse-like whinny or low trill just after sunset.
- Check Tree Cavities: Scan old woodpecker holes and nest boxes during the day for a sleeping owl peeking out.
- Avoid Flashlights: Use a red light filter if observing at night to protect their sensitive night vision.