© Dick Daniels (http://theworldbirds.org/) / CC BY-SA 3.0Eastern Screech Owl
The Eastern Screech Owl is a compact, thick-set owl native to eastern North America, easily recognized by its short tail and sturdy build among screech owl species. It comes in two color morphs — gray and reddish-brown — and is notably adaptable, often thriving in wooded areas near cities. At night, it announces itself with a distinctive trilling call. In captivity, individuals have been known to live past 20 years, making it a long-term companion, but its specialized care needs mean this owl is best suited to experienced keepers rather than first-time bird owners.
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Eastern Screech Owl key facts
- Care level
- Advanced
- Lifespan
- Over 20 years has been recorded in captivity, though wild birds seldom live that long
- Size
- 16-25cm (121-244g)
- Diet
- Insects, small mammals and small birds in the wild; frozen mice, day-old chicks and quail in captivity
- Cage
- A cavity nester that takes readily to boxes - a study found fledging rates in boxes and natural cavities essentially the same. Provide cover it can hide in by day.
- Temperament
- Strictly nocturnal, it hides in cavities or among branches by day. It tolerates urban surroundings but in captivity prefers a quiet location.
- Vocalization
- The primary song ends in a tremulous whinny, a terminal element absent only in the subspecies mccallii, and it is repeated through the night.
- Notes
- Listed on CITES Appendix II, so import requires an export permit. Frozen mice, chicks and quail are thawed for feeding, and a steady supply of raptor food is a precondition for keeping the bird.
About Eastern Screech Owl
A compact North American owl with gray or reddish-brown coloring. Known to live 20+ years in captivity — a long-term commitment best suited to experienced keepers.
7 things to know before welcoming a Eastern Screech Owl
1Suited to Experienced Keepers
This owl requires raptor-specific husbandry knowledge around diet and housing, and is rated as an advanced-level species. Even experienced bird keepers should study raptor-specific care before bringing one home.
2Strictly Nocturnal
This owl rests quietly in a sheltered spot during the day and becomes active after dark. Because it may vocalize at night, keepers should consider their own schedule and their living environment.
3Two Color Morphs
Individuals come in a gray morph or a reddish-brown morph. Which morph you get is usually not something you can choose, so it helps to appreciate each bird's individual coloring as it is.
4A Carnivorous Diet
In the wild, this owl preys on insects and small animals, and captive diets need to reflect that carnivorous nature. Standard bird food is not sufficient, so learning the correct feeding approach in advance is essential.
5Consider the Nighttime Calls
At night, this owl may produce a distinctive trilling call. If you live in an apartment or a densely populated area, it's worth thinking through how the sound might affect neighbors.
6Find a Raptor-Savvy Vet
If this owl becomes unwell, it will need a vet experienced with raptors specifically. It's a good idea to research a nearby clinic that can treat birds of prey before bringing one home.
7A Potential 20+ Year Commitment
In captivity, some individuals have lived past 20 years, so this is a long-term commitment. It's worth considering your own life stages and circumstances well into the future before deciding to bring one home.
Frequently asked questions about Eastern Screech Owl
- Q.How big does the Eastern Screech Owl get?
- A.Adults measure about 16 to 25 cm in length and weigh roughly 121 to 244 grams. It's considered a relatively sturdy, heavier-bodied species among screech owls.
- Q.How long does this owl typically live?
- A.In captivity, individuals have been known to live past 20 years. Wild individuals rarely reach that age, so lifespan appears to depend heavily on the quality of care.
- Q.Is this owl suitable for first-time owl owners?
- A.The Eastern Screech Owl is considered an advanced-level species. It requires raptor-specific knowledge of diet and housing, so thorough preparation beforehand is essential.
- Q.Can I choose the owl's color?
- A.This species comes in a gray morph and a reddish-brown morph, and you generally can't choose which one you get. It's best to appreciate the individual coloring of the bird you bring home.
- Q.Will the owl's calls be noisy at night?
- A.Because this owl is strictly nocturnal, it may produce a distinctive trilling call after dark. Depending on your living situation, it's worth thinking about how this could affect those around you.
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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
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