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Eastern Screech Owl

Introduction

The Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio) may be small in size, but don’t let that fool you—it’s a stealthy predator and one of the most common owls in the eastern United States. With its trilling calls, camouflaged feathers, and surprising bravery, this owl is a favorite among birdwatchers and backyard nature lovers alike.

Let’s dive into what makes the Eastern Screech Owl such a charming (and vocal!) resident of American woodlands and suburbs.

Where Can You Find the Eastern Screech Owl?

This owl is widespread across the eastern two-thirds of the U.S., from:

Southern Canada through the Great Lakes
Down to Florida, Texas, and even northeastern Mexico

It thrives in:

Deciduous and mixed forests
City parks, suburban neighborhoods, and even backyards
Anywhere there are trees and cavities to nest in

Unlike other owls that avoid people, the Eastern Screech Owl often lives closer to humans than you'd expect.

Appearance: Two Color Phases

Eastern Screech Owls come in two color morphs:

Gray morph: Blends in perfectly with tree bark
Red (rufous) morph: A reddish-brown hue, still well-camouflaged

Both types have:

Ear tufts (that look like tiny horns)
Yellow eyes
Streaky, mottled plumage for excellent camouflage
Small size: 6–10 inches tall, wingspan around 18–24 inches

Despite their size, these owls are fierce predators and very agile in flight.

What Do Eastern Screech Owls Eat?

These owls have a very diverse diet, which helps them adapt to many environments.

Typical prey includes:

Mice, voles, and small rodents
Insects (especially moths, beetles, and crickets)
Small birds, frogs, lizards, and even crayfish
Occasionally bats and earthworms

They hunt mainly at night, using their silent flight and sharp hearing to surprise their prey.

Nesting and Breeding

Eastern Screech Owls are cavity nesters and will use:

Tree holes
Abandoned woodpecker cavities
Nest boxes (great for backyard owl lovers!)
Occasionally nest in barns or sheds

Breeding facts:

Nesting begins in late winter or early spring
Females lay 2 to 6 eggs
Incubation lasts around 26 days
Owlets fledge about a month later

The male hunts while the female stays with the chicks.

What Does the Eastern Screech Owl Sound Like?

Despite the name, they don’t “screech” in the way you might expect.

Common sounds:

Whinny: A descending trill like a tiny horse
Trill: A soft, fast “bounce-ball” sound used for communication

They’re most vocal at dusk and during the breeding season. If you hear a spooky, whinnying call in your backyard at night, there’s a good chance it’s one of these owls.

How to Attract Eastern Screech Owls

Want to see (or hear) one in your yard? Try this:

Install a nest box about 10–20 feet up in a tree
Keep large trees and dead limbs (if safe) for natural nesting spots
Minimize pesticide use to protect their food sources
Keep outdoor lights low—these owls prefer dim, quiet areas
Play owl calls in the fall or winter to draw interest (responsibly)

Fun Facts About the Eastern Screech Owl

Bug control: A single owl can eat thousands of insects in a year
Master of disguise: Their camouflage is so good, they’re often overlooked even in plain sight
Two morphs: You’ll either see a gray or red one—but both are the same species
City survivors: These owls thrive in urban and suburban areas, making them one of the most common urban owls in the U.S.
Fierce parents: They aggressively defend their young—even from predators much bigger than themselves

Conclusion

The Eastern Screech Owl is proof that big personality can come in a small package. Whether hiding in a tree cavity or calling from a backyard, this adaptable and charming owl brings a bit of the wild into our everyday lives. Keep your ears open during the evening hours—you may discover that one of these pint-sized predators is closer than you think!

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