Screech Owl
Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio)
Our resident Eastern Screech-owl came to us from the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center in Hampton Bays, New York in the winter of 2014.
Our female screech-owl was caught by a domestic cat and suffered eye trauma and multiple soft tissue injuries on the body. Her body healed but her vision did not. She has a cataract and retinal scarring in the right eye, which precludes her from hunting effectively and surviving in the wild. We began using her in educational programs in 2015.
Average Height: 6.3 - 9.8 inches
Average Weight: 4.3 - 8.6 ounces
Wingspan: 18.9 - 24 inches
Life Span: Up to 13 years in the wild, but generally less than that.
Description: Screech-Owls can be gray or reddish-brown. Their feathers have complex patterns, which provide camouflage.
Call: The most common sound is an even trill.
Range: Eastern Screech-Owls are found in the eastern US, from the Dakotas down to Texas, and east to the Atlantic.
Habitat: These owls prefer areas with tree cover, and are predominantly found in forests and wooded areas around streams. Tree cavities or nest boxes are vital.
Diet: These owls will eat small animals such as birds and mammals, as well as insects.
