The Western Screech-Owl is a small, stocky owl species with prominent ear tufts. It measures about 18–25 cm (7–10 inches) in length and is roughly the same size as an American Robin (Turdus migratorius). It has a rounded head, short neck, and can flatten its ear tufts. Its eyes are bright yellow and the beak usually appears dark or blackish. The plumage provides excellent camouflage and can be gray, brownish, or reddish (rufous) in tone. The facial disk is pale and bordered with dark streaks; the upperparts are marked with white spots, while the underparts are patterned with dark, spiderweb-like streaks. Individuals in the Pacific Northwest often show rufous tones, whereas those in the Southwest are more grayish.

^{Western Screech-Owl (Pixabay)}

Distribution and Habitat

The Western Screech-Owl inhabits a wide range stretching from coastal forests of southeastern Alaska to the cactus deserts of Arizona. It is found in various habitats including forested canyons, deciduous or mixed woodlands, suburbs, farm groves, and riparian areas. Although it has a strong association with coniferous forests, it can also live in small wooded patches near human settlements. It is found at elevations up to about 6,000 feet (approximately 1,800 meters). Historically, it was common throughout much of Washington State except the Columbia Basin.

Behavior and Ecology

This owl is nocturnal and silent, often identified by its vocalizations. It hunts during twilight and nighttime, either by perching and watching for prey or silently swooping down. It detects prey using its keen vision and hearing. Socially monogamous, pairs typically nest together, duet call, and preen each other. The female incubates the eggs while the male brings food. Both parents care for the young after hatching.

Diet

The Western Screech-Owl is carnivorous. Its diet varies by region and season and includes small mammals (mice, shrews, kangaroo rats, bats), birds, lizards, frogs, fish, and many large invertebrates (insects, scorpions, spiders, earthworms, slugs). It may perch near water to catch crayfish or snatch flying insects mid-air.

Reproduction

This owl nests primarily in tree cavities, often using abandoned woodpecker holes or natural hollows. It may also nest in nest boxes, large cacti, poles, or old magpie nests. Nests are usually placed 1.5 to 10 meters above the ground. They do not bring nesting material; eggs are laid directly on the cavity floor. The average clutch size is 2–5 eggs, and the incubation period lasts about 26 days. Chicks leave the nest after around four weeks and remain with their parents for another five weeks. When threatened by humans or predators near the nest, adults may display distracting behaviors.

Conservation Status and Threats

Classified as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Western Screech-Owl is considered widespread. However, its populations are declining in some regions. Due to their nocturnal habits, population trends are difficult to monitor. A slight decline was observed between 1966 and 2019. According to Partners in Flight, the global breeding population is estimated at around 180,000 individuals. In the Pacific Northwest, they are particularly vulnerable to predation by Barred Owls (Strix varia). Habitat loss, drought, changing precipitation patterns, and forest degradation (from fires or insect outbreaks) negatively impact local populations. Nevertheless, the Western Screech-Owl shows resilience to human presence, can inhabit suburban areas, and responds positively to conservation measures such as artificial nest boxes.