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Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. CLIV
Field-journal plate: Eastern Screech-Owl
The Eastern Screech-Owl plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate CLIV

Eastern Screech-Owl

Megascops asio

Strigidae · Taxon 19765

LengthBoth sexes: 16–25 cm (6.3–9.8 in)
WingspanBoth sexes: 48–61 cm (18.9–24.0 in)
WeightBoth sexes: 121–244 g (4.3–8.6 oz)

Field marks

  1. Short, stocky body with a large head and almost no visible neck
  2. Pointed ear tufts that can be raised or flattened
  3. Bright yellow eyes
  4. Gray, brown, or rufous plumage with dark streaks, fine barring, and pale mottling
  5. Small hooked bill; feathered legs and strong talons
  6. Broad, rounded wings and a short, square-tipped tail

HabitatDeciduous, mixed, or evergreen woodland with large cavity-bearing trees and some open understory; also wooded farmland, parks, and suburban landscapes, particularly near water. Avoids extensive treeless habitats.

BehaviorChiefly nocturnal and nonmigratory. Hunts from low perches by watching or listening for prey, then pouncing or making short flights; also takes insects and bats in flight. Roosts and nests in tree cavities or nest boxes and gives whinnying calls and soft trills.

Palette

bark grayrufous browndark browncream whitegolden yellow