Hawks Aloft, Inc.
Conservation, Avian Research, and Education
PO Box 10028 - Albuquerque, NM 87184 - (505) 828-9455

 

Western Screech-Owl (Otus kennicottii)

 Field Marks:

            -  length: 8 in. wingspan: 20 in.

            -  ear tufts held upright or against the head

            -  mottled gray plumage in southern deserts or mottled gray-brown in Northwest

            -  bright lemon-yellow eyes

            -  feet and toes feathered in northern populations, bristled in southern deserts 

Breeding Range:

Western Screech-Owls breed in the western half of the United States from New Mexico west to the coast.  They are found as far north as Alaska.    

Wintering Range:

They are non-migratory, and winter in the same area as the breeding range. 

Habitat Preferences:

They are typically associated with high density deciduous forests.  In New Mexico, Screech-Owls prefer cottonwood because of the abundance of natural cavities.  Screech-Owls can be found in close proximity to urban areas.     

Nesting:

Screech-Owls nest in tree cavities and nest boxes in deciduous forests.  Pairs often reuse a cavity for many years if it remains suitable.  They are monogamous for the life of the pair.  Clutch size varies from 2-7 eggs, with an average of 4 eggs.  Incubation lasts approximately 33 days, and eggs hatch over a span of 2-4 days.  Young fledge 29-35 days after hatching, and are not cared for after fledging except during extreme weather.   

Feeding:

Hunting typically begins sunset, although adults may hunt during the day when young are in the nest.  They typically employ a “sit-and-wait” technique, and respond to the sight and sound of prey animals.  Screech-Owls take a variety of small mammals, birds, arthropods, fish, and insects.  Owls nesting in riparian woodlands also eat fish and crustaceans.

 Conservation Status:

Western Screech-Owl populations appear to be stable, and they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.  They are somewhat tolerant of nest disturbance, although loss of woodland habitat might contribute to reduced population sizes in some areas.  The placement of artificial nest boxes can counteract loss of nesting cavitins in many areas.