Western Screech Owl

Western Screech Owl key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

8-12 years

Size

Average 22cm (wingspan 55cm, weight 88-220g, average 143g)

Diet

Insects, small mammals and small birds in the wild; frozen mice, day-old chicks and quail in captivity

Cage

As a cavity nester it needs a permanent nest box plus branches or boards to hide behind by day, and although small it flies at night, so the aviary must allow horizontal flight.

Temperament

Nocturnal, it spends the day in hiding. It settles best alone or as a pair; keeping several together invites fighting in the breeding season.

Vocalization

By night it repeats an accelerating series of short whistles, or a trill falling slightly at the end, and it also barks and chuckles.

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 Western Screech Owl

A small owl native to western North America and Central America, known for its short, accelerating whistle-like call. Averaging 22 cm long with a 55 cm wingspan, it's an advanced-level species requiring specialized care.

7 things to know before welcoming a Western Screech Owl

1. 1An Advanced-Level Species

   The Western Screech Owl is a raptor that calls for specialized knowledge and experience. It isn't a good fit for a first-time keeper, so thorough research and preparation beforehand are essential.

2. 2Fully Nocturnal

   This owl rests through the day and becomes active at night, so its rhythm runs opposite to a typical human schedule. Provide a quiet daytime resting space and plan its enclosure around nighttime activity.

3. 3A Distinctive Call

   Its call is a series of short whistles that accelerate in tempo — the trait used to tell it apart from the closely related Eastern Screech Owl. Because calling happens at night, consider sound and neighbors when planning where to keep it.

4. 4Compact in Size

   This is a small owl, averaging 22 cm in length with a 55 cm wingspan and a weight of roughly 88–220 g (about 143 g on average). Despite its small size, it has the sharp talons and beak typical of raptors, so handling requires care.

5. 5A Carnivorous Diet

   This owl is a carnivore that feeds on insects and small mammals in the wild. Confirm the right food types and feeding routine with the breeder or a specialist before bringing one home.

6. 6A Spacious Enclosure

   As a raptor, it needs a cage or aviary large enough to spread its wings and fly. A cramped space can lead to stress and health issues, so secure adequate room before bringing one home.

7. 7Research Before You Bring One Home

   Before bringing one home, talk with the breeder in detail about housing and daily care. Take time to observe the individual bird and prepare at a comfortable pace.

Frequently asked questions about Western Screech Owl

Q.Can a beginner keep a Western Screech Owl?

A.This species is considered suitable for advanced keepers. Caring for a nocturnal raptor requires specialized knowledge and setup, so thorough learning and preparation beforehand are important.

Q.What does its call sound like?

A.It has a distinctive call made up of short whistles that accelerate in tempo. This call is what distinguishes it from the closely related Eastern Screech Owl.

Q.How big does it get?

A.It's a small owl, averaging 22 cm in length with a 55 cm wingspan. Body weight typically ranges from 88 to 220 g, averaging around 143 g.

Q.What should it be fed?

A.It's a carnivore that preys on insects and small mammals. It's best to work out the specific food types and quantities together with the breeder or a specialist.

Q.Is the Western Screech Owl covered by CITES?

A.Western Screech Owl is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.

Useful tools for Western Screech Owl care

Learn more about Western Screech Owl in the encyclopedia

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