Eastern Screech-Owl
Otus asio
Description
10" (25 cm). A small, mottled owl
with prominent ear tufts; yellow eyes. Both rufous and gray color
phases occur, as well as brownish intermediates.
Voice
A tremulous, descending wail; soft purrs
and trills.
Habitat
Open deciduous woods, woodlots, suburban
areas, lakeshores, old orchards.
Nesting
3-8 white eggs placed without a nest
lining in a cavity in a tree or in a nest box.
Range
Resident from Canada’ southern prairie
provinces east to southern Maine, and south to Gulf of Mexico and
Florida.
Discussion
These common owls are fearless in
defense of their nests and will often strike unsuspecting humans on
the head as they pass nearby at night. When discovered during the
day, they often freeze in an upright position, depending on their
cryptic coloration to escape detection. The two color phases, which
vary in their relative numbers according to geography, are not based
on age, sex, or season.
