Western Screech-Owl
NameWestern Screech-Owl
Common NameWestern Screech-Owl
Scientific NameMegascops kennicottii
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)58
Length (cm)22.5
Weight (g)165
Plumage DetailsPlumage is typically grayish-brown, but can also be reddish-brown, with intricate streaking and barring that provides excellent camouflage. It has prominent ear tufts and bright yellow eyes.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a distinctive bouncing or accelerating series of hoots, often described as a 'bouncing ball' call, which starts slowly and speeds up.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in western North America, ranging from southeastern Alaska and western Canada, south through the western United States, and into Mexico.
Identifying Featuresprominent ear tufts, bright yellow eyes, cryptic grayish or reddish-brown plumage, small size, bouncing hoot call
Description
The Western Screech-Owl is a small, stocky owl with prominent ear tufts and bright yellow eyes. It is a nocturnal predator, expertly camouflaged against tree bark, that hunts insects and small vertebrates.
