Home, near and far.
This species is native to Eastern North America, extending from southern Canada, east of the Rocky Mountains, south through the central and eastern United States, and into northeastern Mexico.
Birds Heard
FIELD GUIDE
FIELD GUIDE
Owls
Eastern Screech Owl
Megascops asio
The Eastern Screech Owl is a small, stocky owl with a large, round head and prominent ear tufts. This adaptable species is common across Eastern North America, often found in close proximity to humans, yet frequently goes undetected due to its nocturnal habits and exceptional camouflage. They are more often heard than seen, with a distinctive vocal repertoire.
ResidentCavity nesterWoodland habitatEastern North America
Meet the neighborhood - Length
- 16-25 cm
- Wingspan
- 46-61 cm
- Weight
- 121-244 g
Typical adult measurements.
Individuals and populations vary.
01 / The telltale details
You’ll know it
when you see it.
Start with shape and behavior. Then look for the smaller details.
- 01
Plumage Morphs
Adults display two main color variations: rusty (red-phase) or dark gray (gray-phase), both intricately patterned with streaking on the underparts. A rarer brown morph also exists.
- 02
Ear Tufts
Short ear tufts are present and can be raised or flattened, altering the apparent shape of the head.
- 03
Eyes and Bill
Features piercing yellow eyes and a small, sharp, yellowish-green bill.
- 04
Camouflage
Their cryptic plumage provides excellent camouflage against tree bark, making them difficult to spot during the day.
02 / A place in the world
Where life
takes it.
Eastern Screech Owls inhabit a variety of wooded environments, including open mixed woodlands, deciduous forests, parklands, and suburban areas. They are also found in riparian woods, mature orchards, and woodlands near marshes, meadows, and fields, generally avoiding dense forests and high elevations.
Stay a while. Or follow the season.
Eastern Screech Owls are permanent residents throughout their range, typically remaining in the same territory year-round. They do not undertake long-distance migrations.
03 / Listen a little closer
A voice
of its own.
Despite their name, Eastern Screech Owls do not truly screech. Their primary calls include a tremulous, descending whinny, often compared to a miniature horse, and a monotone purring trill lasting 3-5 seconds.
04 / The life behind the feathers
A day in its world.
On the menu.
Their diet is extremely varied, consisting of a wide array of small animals. They opportunistically prey on large insects, small rodents like mice and shrews, smaller birds, earthworms, crayfish, amphibians, reptiles, and occasionally fish.
These nocturnal predators primarily hunt from a perch, swooping down to capture prey from the ground or foliage. They also catch flying insects in the air and can locate prey using both sound and sight.
A place to begin.
Eastern Screech Owls nest in natural tree cavities, old woodpecker holes, or readily use appropriately sized nest boxes. The female typically lays 3-4 eggs, sometimes up to 7, and incubates them for 26-34 days while the male provides food.
The little routines.
Strictly nocturnal, these owls roost during the day in tree cavities or close to tree trunks, often avoiding detection due to their camouflage. They are generally solitary but form monogamous pairs that often remain together for life.
One more reason to pay attention
A familiar face.
A few surprises.
Eastern Screech Owls exhibit color morphs, with red-phase individuals being more common in the eastern parts of their range and gray-phase more prevalent in northern areas.
They are highly adaptable to human presence and can thrive in urban and suburban environments, often nesting in backyard boxes.
Smaller birds like Blue Jays and chickadees may mob a roosting Eastern Screech Owl during the day, making it easier to locate.
05 / An eye for the difference
Could it be
someone else?
Behind these field notesResearch & references · 12 sources
AI-assisted species research. Prepared September 2026. Details can vary across regions and populations.