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Eastern Screech Owl

Megascops asio

Description:

Adults range from 16 to 25 cm (6.3–10 in) in length and weigh 121-244 grams (4.3-8.6 oz).[3] They have either rusty or dark gray intricately patterned plumage with streaking on the underparts. Mid-sized by screech-owl standards, these birds are stocky, short-tailed and broad-winged. They have a large round head with prominent ear tufts, yellow eyes and a yellowish bill. Rusty birds are more common in the southern parts of the range; pairings of the two color variants do occur. A pale gray variation also exists in western Canada and the north-central United States. The color variations are referred to as "red morph" and "gray morph" by bird watchers and ornithologists.

Habitat:

Eastern Screech Owls inhabit open mixed woodlands, deciduous forests, parklands, wooded suburban areas, riparian woods along streams and wetlands (especially in drier areas), mature orchards, and woodlands near marshes, meadows, and fields. They try to avoid areas known to have regular activity of larger owls, especially Great Horned Owls. These owls roost mainly in natural cavities in large trees, including cavities open to the sky during dry weather. In suburban and rural areas they may roost behind loose boards on buildings, boxcars, or water tanks. They will also roost in dense foliage of trees, usually on a branch next to the trunk, or in dense scrubby brush.

Notes:

Seen at Central Florida Zoo

1 Species ID Suggestions

lori.tas
lori.tas 12 years ago
Eastern Screech Owl
Megascops asio Eastern Screech Owl


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3 Comments

Apple
Apple 12 years ago

How great! Thanks for sharing!

lori.tas
lori.tas 12 years ago

It's a little screech owl. Given the location of the zoo, most likely an eastern one.

KarenL
KarenL 12 years ago

Cute!

July Llanes
Spotted by
July Llanes

Florida, USA

Spotted on Oct 15, 2011
Submitted on Dec 8, 2011

Spotted for Mission

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