Screech Owls

Did you know that Eastern screech-owls are dichromatic, meaning they come in two distinct color morphs? They are either uniformly gray or uniformly rufous, with darker streaking on the body. Both color morphs allow for camouflage against the bark of trees.

This is a fairly common, permanent resident in Ohio. It lives in towns, orchards, and small woodlots. When disturbed or frightened these birds assume a very erect, slender, “frozen” position with the ears especially erect.

Their diet mainly consists of mice and large insects, but they will also feed on other small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. The song is an eerie, trembling wail and a soft trill, hence the name “screech” owl.

Read more about Eastern screech-owls here: http://ow.ly/VxwI50yvBO0

Have you heard or seen these owls before? Leave us your photos and stories in the comment section on our Facebook page.