The Eastern Screech-Owl is a small, nocturnal, woodland owl of eastern North America and is one of our more common owls. It is the smallest eastern owl next to the Northern Pygmy-Owl and is the smallest eared owl found east of the Rocky Mountains. It is a squat-looking owl that sits erect, its plumage fluffed out, with feet and legs obscured, and its distinct ear tufts raised. The iris is bright yellow and this owl will swivel its head into contorted positions to gain a good view because its eyes are immovable. Its bill is gray-green, with tufts of bristly feathers around its base, and toes are yellow. Its plumage is either mainly grayish or reddish-brown (see Morphs) variegated dark and light, that resembles a furrowed tree bark pattern. Its facial disk is bordered by black.
Size
The Eastern Screech-Owl is the 12th largest North American owl overall. Because of its puffed plumage it gives the impression of being larger than it is. Females are 5 to 10% larger than males. Females average 9.2 inches (23 centimeters) and males average 8.2 inches (21 centimeters) in length, respectively. Wingspans average 22 inches (56 centimeters) for females and 21 inches (54 centimeters) for males. Weights average 7.3 ounces (208 grams) for females and 7.0 ounces (200 grams) for males.
Specific Description
Adult (gray phase)
- refer to above
- facial disks dusky white with fine gray-brown mottling
- overall gray-brown, with gray narrow vertical stripes, bars, and spots on underparts, and barred wings and tail
- legs light cinnamon buff
Adult (red phase)
- refer to above
- similar pattern to gray phase except cinnamon instead of gray
- face plain light cinnamon
- whitish superciliary and loral plumage
Similar Species
The Eastern Screech-Owl is only likely to be confused with the Western Screech-Owl. These owls can only be distinguished by their different calls, but only occur together locally in eastern Colorado and southern Texas.
Other Names
It has also been known as Ghost Owl, Dusk Owl, Little-eared Owl, Mouse Owl, Shivering Owl, Spirit Owl, Little Dukelet, Texas Screech-Owl, and Red Owl.
Etymology
The scientific name Otus asio translates into "eared owl" or "horned owl".
Mythology
Cherokee shamans valued Eastern Screech-Owls as consultants as the owls could bring on sickness as punishment. Oto-Missouris thought that if you heard a screech-owl call, then death is going to occur. Louisiana Cajuns thought you should get up from bed and turn your left shoe upside down to avert disaster, if you heard one calling late at night.
