Eastern Screech-Owl
Family:
Strigidae (typical owls) in the order Strigiformes (owls)
Description:
This is the only small, yellow-eyed owl with prominent ear tufts in Missouri (though ear tufts may be lowered and concealed from view). There are three color morphs (forms) in our state: gray, brown, and red. Of these, the red is the least common in Missouri. The call is rarely described as a “screech.” Instead, the whistled call is either a quavering, ascending then descending whinny, or a monotone trill, often in a duet with its mate.
Size:
Length: 8½ inches (tip of bill to tip of tail). Wingspan: 20-22 inches.
Habitat and conservation:
Open woodlands, forests, rural woodlots and city parks and lots, orchards, deep woods. Preferred trees are cedars and pines. Nesting is in tree cavities, and many of these are ones created originally by woodpeckers. Eastern screech-owl populations suffer as dead, hollow trees are removed. Also, pesticides and car collisions cause many deaths.
Foods:
This smaller owl eats smaller prey—beetles, grasshoppers, moths, mice, shrews, moles, crayfish, fish, frogs and small birds. Like other owls, this species uses its exceptional senses of hearing and sight to home in on its targets.
Distribution in Missouri:
Statewide.
Status:
Common permanent resident.
Life cycle:
Nesting is from March through May in Missouri. Four or five white, roundish eggs are laid, usually in a tree cavity, occasionally in bird houses and rarely in buildings. Incubation lasts 26 days, and the owlets are reared for 28 days. This rather tame owl is active strictly at night.
Human connections:
This owl is surprisingly common near towns, though it is rarely seen. It preys on many small creatures that can cause problems for humans. Owls as a group have been significant in human culture for ages; the Greek goddess Athena was associated with owls, and both symbolized wisdom.
Ecosystem connections:
Although it is very similar in habits and hunting strategies to our other owls, this smaller species preys on slightly different animals—insects and small rodents—thus they occupy a unique niche among nighttime predators. MDC's Mission, Vision, Priorities
MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources.
We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature.
Shortened URL
http://mdc.mo.gov/node/3182
