Eastern Screech-owl
Otus asio

Identification: The Eastern Screech-owl is a small owl with yellow eyes, prominent ear tufts and, usually, a pale colored beak. Only 8 inches in length with a wingspread of 18-22 inches, they occur in reddish, gray and brown plumages, streaked and barred with dark markings. The color phases are not based on age, sex or season, but remain throughout their adult life.

Range & Habitat: This is the common small owl of towns, orchards and wooded lots. They can also be found living in forests, swamps, parks and even suburban gardens. This bird is a permanent resident throughout the Northeastern, South Atlantic and Gulf States. It occurs commonly throughout Florida except in the interior of the Everglades and the coastal mangrove forests.

Reproduction: Nesting occurs from February through July in natural tree cavities, abandoned woodpecker holes or nest boxes, usually devoid of any nesting material. Usually 3-8 white eggs are incubated by the female for approximately 26 days. The male provides food for the female while she sits on the nest, and both male and female feed the young, who leave the nest about four weeks after hatching. These owls are fearless in defense of their nests and will often strike unsuspecting humans if they pass nearby at night.

Diet: Screech-owls will consume almost any available form of animal life, from worms to small mammals. When mice are abundant, their diet will include many rodents. When small birds are numerous, many fall prey to Screech-owls. One of their favorite foods is the palmetto bug.

Remarks: Owls are mentioned frequently in folklore and superstition and are traditionally associated with graveyards and mystery. The Screech-owl with its eerie voice, a hollow-toned quavering whistle, rising then lowering in pitch, may well be the owl most responsible for this characterization.