Western Screech Owl Facts

A typical screech owl, medium-sized with short ear tufts and yellow eyes.

This owl is partially migratory in the northern part of its range along the west coast of the USA when it migrates south for the winter. Most of the population, however, is apparently resident but those living at higher altitudes move to lower ones in the winter.

Mainly nocturnal this owl is not commonly shy. Flight is noiseless with soft wings beats and gliding. When disturbed at its daytime roost the owl becomes motionless and can often be caught by hand but when disturbed at their nest site they become very aggressive indeed and have been known to attack humans by swooping low over their heads and using their small talons to great effect!

In summer this owl can be seen hunting around street lamps catching insects attracted by the light. It mainly hunts insects and small mammals and birds but can successfully tackle prey as large as pigeons, domestic hens and pheasant. Just look again at the size of this owl. We imagine a hen would keep him well fed for some considerable time!