Screech Owl

Genus: Megascops acio

Nicknames: Feathered wildcat (for their aggressive hunting tactics)

Size: The screech owl measures as one of the smallest owl species in the world. It stands at 7-10 inches tall, weighs 4 to 6 ounces and has a wingspan of 18 to 24 inches.

Appearance: Similar to most owl species, female screech owls are larger in size compared to their male counterparts. However, in comparison to the average size of an owl, screech owls are smaller and more agile. Their eyes are bright yellow, wide set and contrast against their brownish/white feathers. Their exterior frame has the ability to camouflage against a number of forest surroundings; gaining these owls the advantage in hunt. The nickname “feathered wildcat”, refers to their ability to assume a predator position their domains, despite their feeble frame. They have grown to adapt their features; such as claws and bills, to become useful in killing prey and reducing its size to edible pieces.

Habitat: Screech owls are one of the most common owls to be spotted in urban areas; as they love to nest near roads and human populated places. They are capable of adapting to living in dominated lands, however the effects of road kill on screech owls are quite severe. The placement of garbage pails near roads tend to be the culprit of many deaths of screech owls; leaving behind a substantial amount of untended young. The majority of these owls nest in the eastern regions of North America; including southeast Canada and northeast Mexico.

Diet: Screech owls eat a diet consisting of small mammals, birds, insects, fish and earthworms. They are capable of capturing prey larger than themselves, and prey on a perched branch to select their food.