Western screech owls (Megascops kennicottii) are small owls found throughout western North America. They are known for being active at night, but some people have reported seeing them out during the daytime as well. In this article, we’ll examine whether Western screech owls do indeed come out when the sun is up.
Daytime Sightings of Western Screech Owls
There are a number of documented sightings of Western screech owls during daylight hours. Here are a few examples:
- In suburban areas, Western screech owls are occasionally spotted in nest boxes or tree cavities in the daytime.
- Birdwatchers have photographed these owls hunting or sunning themselves on branches in the late morning and afternoon.
- Young screech owls leaving the nest are sometimes seen during the day while they are still developing their nocturnal habits.
- Screech owls disturbed from their roosts by people, dogs, or other animals may fly out even when it’s light out.
So while Western screech owls are best known as nocturnal hunters, they do seem to venture out in daylight on occasion. But why would a normally night-loving owl be active during the day?
Why Screech Owls Come Out in Daytime
There are several reasons why a Western screech owl might leave its roost during daylight hours:
- Foraging – Food shortages may occasionally force screech owls to hunt in the daytime when fewer predators and competitors are active.
- Disturbances – Loud noises, nest destruction, or attacks by other animals can flush screech owls out of their roosts.
- Thermoregulation – Screech owls may sun themselves on open perches to raise their body temperature on cooler days.
- Dispersal – Young screech owls leaving their parents’ territory have to find a new home and may need to move about during the day.
- Migration – Migrating screech owls traveling to wintering grounds may hunt and fly during daylight hours.
So while they prefer to be active at night, screech owls will venture out in the light when conditions call for it. Their large eyes and cryptic plumage help them see and camouflage themselves even in daytime conditions.
Behaviors of Daytime Screech Owls
When screech owls are active during the day, they display some behaviors that are distinct from their typical nocturnal activities:
- They tend to perch in semi-concealed spots like cavities or dense foliage instead of exposed perches.
- Their flight style is often slower and more buoyant than their fast, direct nighttime flight.
- They are generally quite lethargic and tend to be less vocal and mobile.
- Their feathers are often fluffed up to retain body heat in the cooler daytime temperatures.
- They frequently sun themselves by positioning their bodies perpendicular to the sun’s rays.
By sticking to cover and conserving energy, screech owls try to avoid detection and survive until nightfall when they can resume normal activity under the cover of darkness.
How Often Do Screech Owls Come Out During the Day?
While specific data are lacking, it seems that daytime activity is quite uncommon for Western screech owls. Nocturnality is their natural adaptation, so venturing out in daylight likely happens only when conditions require it. Some speculate the following:
- In healthy owl populations with abundant prey, daytime activity may occur a few times per year or less.
- In areas with habitat loss or food shortages, daytime activity may happen more often as the owls struggle to meet their needs.
- Daytime activity is probably most common in young owls and during breeding season and migration periods.
So glimpsing a Western screech owl sunning itself or flying by in the daytime is rare and considered a lucky sighting by birdwatchers. But in certain situations these owls abandon their nocturnal habits in the interest of survival.
Is Daytime Activity Risky for Screech Owls?
There are some risks associated with Western screech owls being active in daylight:
- Increased risk of overheating – Their dark plumage absorbs heat, and they lack sweat glands to cool themselves.
- Greater visibility to predators – Their camouflage is less effective in bright light.
- Higher energy expenditure – Daytime activity requires more effort than restful roosting.
- Potential confusion navigating – Their vision may be adapted for low light.
- More competition from other raptors – Eagles, hawks and other birds of prey hunt during the day.
Despite these risks, most screech owls that venture out in daylight manage to survive until nightfall. Their caution, cryptic plumage, and ability to quickly take cover helps compensate for the dangers of daytime activity.
Can You Attract Screech Owls in Daylight?
It is challenging to purposely draw Western screech owls out during daylight. Some tips that may increase your chances include:
- Creating roosting spots like nest boxes placed 5-20 feet up on trees near forest edges.
- Landscaping with dense bushes and evergreens they can hide in during the day.
- Providing perches in open but secluded areas so they can sun themselves.
- Installing a water feature they can drink and bathe in.
- Letting ground litter and low branches accumulate so they can forage for prey.
With patience and the right habitat, you may be lucky enough to observe one of these normally nocturnal birds out and about in the daylight.
Conclusion
While Western screech owls are highly adapted for hunting at night, they do occasionally venture out and exhibit fascinating behaviors in the daytime. Daytime activity is most likely to occur when environmental conditions demand it, such as food shortages, disturbances, migration, or thermoregulation needs. While not a common sight, a daylight screech owl reveals the remarkable flexibility and survival skills of these small raptors.
