Megascops asio

Eastern Screech-Owl

According to range maps, the Eastern Screech-Owl is here year round.  But we haven’t seen this little guy in several years now.  Word has it that they have been victims of larger predators. Mortality rates of young and nestling owls may be as high as 70%.  Common predators at screech owl nests include opossums, raccoons, skunks, snakes, crows, and Blue Jays. [1] [3]

Adults have fewer predators, but larger species of owl do take them since they have similar periods of activity. Larger owls known to have preyed on eastern screech owls include Great Horned Owls and Barred Owls. Diurnal birds of prey may also kill and eat them, including Cooper’s Hawks and Red-tailed Hawks. [1]

Cornell says “Eastern Screech-Owls of the suburbs may fledge more young than their rural counterparts, probably because their predators are scarcer in the suburbs.” [6]  Like most predators, eastern screech owls are opportunistic hunters. Due to the ferocity and versatility of their hunting style, early authors nicknamed eastern screech owls “feathered wildcats”. [1]

Eastern Screeech-Owl

Ten to twelve years ago we had a Screech-Owl that lived in our owl house for about six months each year.  The house was at eye level on the trunk of a large pine tree near our deck and every morning his face filled the opening.  He just sat there and watched looking almost human.  At dusk, just before it was completely dark, the evening hunt would begin.  Walking in the yard, we never heard the owl, but could sense that someone had flown by very  close.

One of the best things about having a Screech-Owl around is hearing their sounds and trills. These owls are frequently heard calling at night, especially during the spring breeding season. Despite their name, this owl doesn’t truly screech. The Eastern Screech-Owl’s call is a tremolo with a descending, whinny-like quality, like that of a miniature horse. They also produce a monotone purring trill lasting 3–5 seconds. [1]

References and Additional Information

[1] Wikipedia: Eastern Screech-Owl
[2] The Sibley Guide to Birds, second edition – David Allen Sibley
[3] Cornell – All About Birds: Eastern Screech-Owl
[4] Cornell – All About Birds: Eastern Screech-Owl – sound
[5] The Breeding Bird Atlas of Georgia – UGA Press: Schneider, Beaton, Keyes and Klaus, Eds.
[6] Cornell – All About Birds: Eastern Screech-Owl – life history