Eastern screech owls are small owls found throughout eastern North America. They are native to this region and inhabit a variety of wooded areas including parks, woodlots, and suburban neighborhoods. Eastern screech owls play an important role in the local ecosystem by helping control rodent and insect populations. Understanding where these owls live and their habitat preferences can help efforts to conserve them.
Geographic Range
Eastern screech owls are found across eastern North America from southern Canada down through the United States. Their range extends from southern Manitoba and Quebec down through the eastern half of the United States to Texas and central Florida.
Within this broad region, eastern screech owls can be found anywhere there is sufficient woodland habitat. They are most common in areas with a mix of open fields, meadows, and forests. Densely forested regions of northern New England and eastern Canada have lower densities of screech owls compared to more open habitat further south.
Canada
In Canada, eastern screech owls live in southern Ontario, southern Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and may be found in suitable habitat in southern Manitoba. They are absent from the boreal forests further north.
United States
Eastern screech owls can be found in all states east of the Rocky Mountains except for Minnesota, Iowa, and most of Missouri. Their range extends south along the Atlantic Coast through Florida. It continues along the Gulf Coast through eastern Texas. They are found as far west as eastern Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico where suitable woodland habitat exists.
Habitat Preferences
Eastern screech owls inhabit open wooded areas including mixed forests, pine barrens, wooded wetlands, parks, orchards, and wooded suburban neighborhoods. They prefer habitat with a mix of mature trees and open areas for foraging.
Forests
Mature open forests with clearings are optimal habitat for eastern screech owls. They nest in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes. Oak-hickory forests and pine-oak associations are commonly used. Forests with water sources like streams or wetlands are favored.
Parks & Suburbs
Eastern screech owls have adapted well to wooded parks and suburban areas. The mosaic of trees, buildings, and open space suits them. They nest in tree cavities and utilize backyard bird feeders for hunting. Screech owls are often found in city parks, golf courses, cemeteries, and backyards.
Wetlands
Wooded wetlands including swamps, bottomland forests, and riparian zones provide good screech owl habitat. They utilize wetland trees for nesting and the abundance of small rodents for prey. Marshes, bogs, and peatlands are used by screech owls if there are scattered trees present.
Roosting and Nesting
Eastern screech owls roost in cavities during the day and utilize the same sites for nesting. They prefer natural cavities but also use old woodpecker holes, bird boxes, and platforms provided for them.
Cavities
Eastern screech owls roost and nest in cavities in mature trees. Natural cavities form in older trees when branches break off. Woodpecker holes, especially those made by pileated woodpeckers, are also used. They usually choose cavities 15-30 feet above ground. Entrance holes as small as 3 inches are used.
Nest Boxes
Screech owls will readily use nest boxes designed for American kestrels and other small owls. Boxes should be 12-15 feet high in a tree with a 1.5-2 inch entrance hole. Platform nests can also be provided. Placing boxes away from roads and neighborhoods reduces disturbances.
Tree Species
Eastern screech owls are not picky about the tree species used for nesting provided there is a suitable cavity. Common trees include oak, maple, birch, beech, poplar, apple, and pine. Dead trees (snags) are favored for natural cavities.
Diet and Hunting
Eastern screech owls are opportunistic hunters and eat a variety of small animals. Almost any small prey found in their wooded habitat may be eaten. They hunt from perches and swoop down on prey.
Mammals
Small rodents top the menu for screech owls. Voles, deer mice, wood rats, pocket gophers, and house mice are commonly taken. Bats are also preyed upon if they can be captured. Squirrels and chipmunks may be taken occasionally.
Birds
A wide variety of small birds are prey for screech owls. Songbirds, woodpeckers, sparrows, and warblers are most commonly taken. Larger birds like grouse and jays may be taken when other prey is scarce.
Reptiles & Amphibians
Reptiles and amphibians help meet the dietary needs of screech owls. Snakes, lizards, frogs, salamanders, and toads are readily consumed. Turtles and crayfish are also eaten when available.
Insects
Insects including beetles, moths, crickets, grasshoppers, and cicadas are consumed. Large insects help meet seasonal needs such as in spring and summer when screech owls are feeding nestlings.
| Prey Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Mammals | Voles, mice, shrews, moles, bats |
| Birds | Sparrows, chickadees, woodpeckers |
| Reptiles/Amphibians | Frogs, snakes, lizards, turtles |
| Insects | Crickets, beetles, grasshoppers, cicadas |
Breeding and Nesting
Eastern screech owls breed in late winter. The female lays a clutch of 3-5 eggs in a tree cavity. The chicks hatch after about a month and fledge in around 5-6 weeks. Both parents help feed and care for the young.
Chronology
Courtship begins in late winter in February and March. Egg laying is from March through May with later clutches further north. Incubation is 26-30 days. Chicks fledge at around 42 days old. The young are dependent on the parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.
Eggs
Clutch size is typically 4-5 white eggs but can range from 3-7. The eggs are evenly oval in shape and about 1.3 inches long. They are laid at 1-3 day intervals. If the first clutch fails, a second may be laid.
Hatching & Fledging
The eggs hatch after 26-30 days of incubation by the female. The male helps deliver food once the chicks hatch. Chicks fledge the nest at around 5-6 weeks but remain dependent on parental care for several more weeks.
Nest Sites
Eastern screech owls are not picky about nest sites. Natural tree cavities, woodpecker holes, and nest boxes are all used. Nests are usually 15-30 feet high in a tree. Entrances as small as 3 inches wide are used.
Threats and Conservation
Though still widespread, eastern screech owl numbers have declined in some areas primarily due to habitat loss. Providing nest boxes, protecting woodlands, and preserving mature trees helps conserve local populations.
Habitat Loss
The screech owl’s reliance on cavities in mature trees makes it vulnerable to habitat loss. Development, logging, and removal of dead trees reduces nest sites. Fragmentation of woodlands also threatens local populations by isolating owls.
Vehicle Collisions
Eastern screech owls’ attraction to roadside trees and propensity to swoop down over roads exposes them to vehicle collisions, especially in suburban areas. Roads fragment their wooded habitat.
Predators & Competitors
Screech owls face predation from larger owls like the barred and great horned owls. Nest sites and food resources also face pressure from increasing numbers of invasive birds like European starlings.
Conservation Actions
Protecting mature woodlands and limiting fragmentation is key to sustaining screech owl populations. Installing nest boxes in appropriate habitat provides additional nesting sites. Public education helps make people aware of screech owls that share suburban parks and yards.
Conclusion
Eastern screech owls play an important ecological role while also capturing the interest of many bird lovers due to their small size and appealing whinnying song. Ensuring plentiful woodland habitat across their range along with nest boxes enables screech owls to thrive as they continue inhabiting their key niche in eastern North American forests. With a helpful assist from concerned citizens providing habitat and reducing disturbances, these captivating little owls will continue gracing eastern forests and neighborhoods for years to come.
