Western Screech Owl

screechowl: COMMON NAME: Western screech owl

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Otus Kennicottii

DESCRIPTION:

The small western screech owl usually perches squat, fluffing out its feathers, cocealing its feet and legs. When threatened, however, the bird can stritch out its body and tighten its feathers to resemble a branch stub. Usually grey or reddish-brown in color, the screech owl has varied light and dark colorations to resemble the coloring of a tree. Its eyes and toes are yellow and it has a black bill and facial lining.

The western screech owl's average length is 8.2-9.2" with a 21-22" wingspan. They fly with steady wingbeats. Mature owls can weigh about 3.9-6.5 ounces, depending on the region and gender. Females are larger than males.

LIFE HISTORY:

A pair of western screech owls will mate for life and the female will typically have only one brood. The brood usually consists of 3-4 eggs, which the mother incubates for around 26 days while the father bring home food. The young fledge at 35 days after hatching.

ECOLOGY:

Western screech owls are very common in the lower elevations across western North America. These non-migratory birds make their home in woodlands, nesting in large, elevated tree cavities.

The screch owl is also nocturnal, hunting from dusk until dawn. It mainly hunts in flight and dives down quickly when it notices its prey to seize it with its talons. The owl's diet consists of a number of small mammals, birds and amphibians, as well as large insects.

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