The eastern screech owl (PBR)

The eastern screech owl can be found throughout much of the United States and Canada, mostly in open mixed woodlands, deciduous forests, riparian woods along streams and wetlands (especially in dry regions), parklands, and mature orchards.

Screech owls prefer trees for nesting and roosting, though they will use other habitats where there are tree-like shelters such as farm groves or urban parks. They're also found in wooded suburban areas, riparian zones, and woodlands near marshes or meadows.

Like most owls, the eastern screech owl hunts by sight and sound. It swoops down from its perch in tree branches to pounce upon prey that is either flying or hiding beneath leaves. Smaller prey items are swallowed whole at impact while larger prey items are carried back to its perch and torn apart there.

The eastern screech owl feeds on nocturnal birds and mammals, insects, rodents, fish, snakes and turtles. Additionally it regurgitates pellet-sized meals composed of feathers, fur and bones.

Eastern screech owls typically live 14 years and can survive without food or water for up to a year. They form monogamous pairs and maintain long-term bonding relationships.

Breeding occurs once a year during February to March and couples often reuse the same nest site. Females lay three to four eggs in either an exposed tree cavity or one excavated by a woodpecker, which they then incubate with assistance from a male who feeds and guards the nest until 28 days old when they fledge and remain with their parents until 8 to 10 weeks old.

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