Species Profile
Western Screech-owl
Megascops kennicottii
Western Screech-Owl
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Western Screech Owl
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Appearance
The Western Screech-owl is a small, compact owl with prominent ear tufts and large yellow eyes. Its plumage is mottled grey or brown, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. The breast features fine vertical streaks and bars. Legs and feet are bristled with short gray feathers.
There is little difference between males and females in appearance, although females tend to be noticeably larger. Juveniles resemble adults but may have a fluffier, less defined plumage.
The owl's coloration can vary slightly based on its habitat, with more reddish-brown variants in some regions. The sharp, curved bill which is black in more southern populations and a lighter shade of gray in northern birds.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Grey
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Grey
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Western Screech-owls inhabit a variety of wooded habitats, including deciduous and coniferous forests, riparian woodlands, and urban parks. They are found throughout western North America, from Alaska south to Mexico and east to the Rocky Mountains.
In the United States, they are common in western states such as California, Oregon, and Washington. These owls are non-migratory, maintaining year-round territories throughout their range.
Populations are particularly concentrated across Arizona’s mesquite landscapes. Breeding has also occurred in Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras.
Distribution
Diet
Western Screech-owls are mainly an insectivorous species. However, they are opportunistic predators and will feed on anything available.
They primarily feed on small mammals such as mice, voles, and shrews but also consume insects, small birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Scorpions, earthworms, and spiders are also caught. Insect prey includes crickets, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. During winter, they may focus more on rodents, while insects become a more significant part of their diet in warmer months.
Western Screech-owls rely on both sight and sound to hunt, catching prey after swooping from branch perches in trees.
Behaviour
Western Screech-owls are primarily nocturnal, roosting in tree cavities or dense foliage during the day. They hunt from perches, swooping down to catch prey.
These owls are highly territorial and will vigorously defend their nesting areas, often returning to the same site year after year.
Calls & Sounds
Despite its name, the Western screech-owl doesn’t actually screech, instead making a series of accelerating hoots with an intensifying pace.
The most distinctive call is a series of short, whistled hoots that accelerate in tempo, often described as a "bouncing ball" sound. It typically sounds like "pew pew pew pew pew-pew-pew."
They also produce various trills, barks, and screeches, particularly when alarmed or defending territory.
Nesting & Breeding
Western Screech-owls form monogamous pairs and begin breeding in late winter or early spring. Males attract females with a series of soft, rhythmic hoots and by presenting potential nest sites.
Nests are typically located in tree cavities, often those excavated by woodpeckers. The female lays 2-5 smooth white, round eggs directly on the bottom of the cavity without adding nesting material.
Incubation lasts about 26 days, solely by the female. The male provides food during this time. Young owls fledge at about 28-35 days old but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks.
Conservation
While the Western Screech-owl is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss due to urban development and logging.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving mature forests and maintaining suitable nesting cavities. In some areas, nest box programs have been implemented to support breeding populations.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their distinctive bouncing ball or trilling call at night
- Look for them perched near tree trunks or in cavities during the day
- Check for whitewash and pellets below potential roosting sites
Did You Know?
- Western Screech-owls can turn their heads up to 270 degrees.
- They have asymmetrical ear openings, which helps them pinpoint prey by sound.
- Some individuals have a reddish-brown plumage variant called the "rufous morph."
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