Eastern Screech-Owl (gray morph), Kerrville, Texas, April 2009. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Eastern Screech-Owl (red morph), Cedar Grove, NJ, 2007. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

eastern screech-owl

Megascops asio

Identification: 
This owl is only the size of a robin and has classic owl features: two big eyes, ear tufts, and a sharp little beak.  There are two “morphs,” or colors: red and gray.  The latter is more common and its mottled coloring affords excellent camouflage.

Behavior:
This is an adaptable bird and will live even in suburbs and city parks as long as there are some trees.  It is a cavity nester and will nest in a box.  It captures and eats small birds and mammals and also creatures such as worms and even insects.  Of course they are active nocturnally and often not seen but heard when they emit their distinctive quavering “whinny.”

What brings it to the SBG?
Food, cover, perhaps nesting sites.

When can I see it?
Year-round.