Megascops kennicottii

Many people don't realize how common the Western screech-owl is in our urban, suburban parks and yards, as well as in the wild. They are heard more often than seen. Owls are early nesters and males can often be heard calling in February.

The Western screech-owl is a small owl, weighing between 3.5 and 11 ounces and measuring seven to 10 inches in length. It has feathered ear tufts and can be gray or gray-brown with small black streaks on its feathers. It is a wonderfully camouflaged owl, blending with the tree bark where it perches. Both sexes have similar coloring, but the female is larger.

Although they are fairly common in our local landscapes, they are vulnerable to habitat loss because of urban development. They are cavity nesters and losing old snags when land is cleared deprives them of nest sites. You can attract them with nest boxes built for owls. Free owl nest box plans are available at my store, the Layton Wild Bird Center.

The female incubates two to six eggs. The semi-altricial young fledge from the nest within 28 days. Both parents feed the young.

They have a curious habit of releasing "blind snakes" in their nests to feed on existing vermin, a sort of home exterminator for birds.

Screech-owls may be small but they are bold and aggressive. A Western screech-owl will occasionally take prey larger than itself, including cottontail rabbits and mallards. Its typical prey is small mammals, such as voles and mice, and large insects.

Western screech-owls range from south coastal Alaska through central Mexico and east into Colorado and central Texas.

Bill Fenimore is owner of the Layton Wild Bird Center and author of Backyard Birds of Utah.