COMMON NAME: Eastern Screech Owl SCIENTIFIC NAME: Otus asio

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: A small owl standing only about eight inches high, the screech owl is identified by its prominent ear tufts and white eyebrows. It is often mistaken for a baby great horned owl. The screech owl has two color phases, gray and red.

RANGE: Found across North America and south into Mexico, this owl is not found in Minnesota north of Itasca county.

HABITAT: The screech owl is found in woodlands bordered with open fields. It is not uncommon to find screech owls in urban areas.

NESTING: The screech owl is a cavity nester that will use nest boxes.

FEEDING HABITATS: Screech owls will feed on a wide variety of prey, utilizing what is most common. Some food items include small rodents, birds, insects, and reptiles.

CONSERVATON STATUS: Considered a common owl, the screech owl is not afforded any special status.