General

Western Screech-Owl: Small owl (kennicotti), with distinct ear tufts, brown- or gray-mottled upperparts, white spots on shoulders, and streaked and barred underparts. Facial disk is lightly mottled and has prominent dark rim. Eyes are bright yellow and bill is dark gray. Sexes are similar. Juvenile may be downy.

Range and Habitat

Western Screech-Owl: Common resident in much of the western U.S., Canada, and Mexico in a variety of habitats. Preferred habitats include open woods, especially oak, mixed pine/oak, and sycamore.

Breeding and Nesting

Western Screech-Owl: Nests in a tree cavity, usually 6 to 20 feet above ground; readily uses suitable nest boxes. Two to six white eggs are laid on natural sawdust on the floor of the cavity. Female incubates for 21 to 30 days.

Foraging and Feeding

Western Screech-Owl: Diet largely consists of insects, small mammals, birds, snakes, lizards, frogs, and crayfish. Nocturnal, usually begins foraging 45 minutes after sundown and returns to daytime roost within 30 minutes of sunrise; drops from perch to capture prey.

Vocalization

Western Screech-Owl: Most common call is a mellow, muted trill "hoo-hoo-hoo" that speeds up at the end but maintains a constant pitch. Secondary song is a double trill of rapid bursts. Others include a soft "cr-r-oo-oo-oo-oo" given as a greeting, and a sharp bark given when excited.

Similar Species

Western Screech-Owl: Eastern Screech-Owl is smaller and paler, with pale, yellow-tinged bill.