Western Screech Owl

When I look at the little tufts of feathers on these small owls, measuring just 7-11” and having a wing span of 18-24”, I am reminded that they look like a miniature Great Horned Owl.  There are several different types of Screech Owls in the southwest, but the ones most often seen in the Sonoran desert are colored in patterns of gray, as those pictured here, and often move south for the winter.  (Those most often observed by my customers in the greater Tucson area, suddenly appear in the summer and stay around until the temperature drops sometime in October or November.)

These small owls are seen from time to time in sheltered areas around patios, courtyards, in Oleander bushes and trees during the daytime.  Once they select a protected place to stay, they come back again and again.  It has been reported, however, that children or even humming birds that torment them while they are resting, will drive them to choose another place to spend their day.  They will tolerate coming and going in a patio or tree/shrub close to people traffic and will hide behind foliage in order to stay in chosen areas.  Like other owls, their flight is soundless so that if you do have a Screech Owl or two living close by your home and they are flushed, unless you are looking in their direction, they may move to another spot without you hearing them move or fly to a new perch.

I have observed these beautiful Western Screech Owls camouflaged behind climbing vines in a courtyard and in trees and bushes.  I have included a few pictures to show them in locations where they return after a night of hunting. 

 
Western Screech Owls are often mistaken for Elf Owls.  The most noticeable physical difference is the tufts of feathers which the Western Screech Owls have, just above their eyes.  The Elf Owl, while roughly the same size, has a rounded head with no tufts on the top of its head.  Screech Owls begin feeding just after dusk and will feed on insects, small mice, some lizards, small birds, or small snakes that are out and about at night.  Frogs are also on their menu but, since frogs are usually seen only after a monsoon, the Screech Owls are more reliant on the menu above.  If you wonder if you have a Screech Owl or two that have taken up residence around your home, one of the easiest ways to look for them, since they may be well camouflaged, is to look for spot on the ground on your patio, under bushes, or around climbing vines that have white droppings.  Looking up, you might spot a Screech Owl spending the day with you.

Since the Western Screech Owl takes advantage of nests made in the Saguaro Cactus that others birds have drilled out and expanded-called a Saguaro Boot, if you spend any time in the desert or have Saguaros on your property, it is not out of the question for you to observe a Screech Owl or even a Pigmy Owl or other bird peering out of hole high up on a Saguaro in early spring. (See my blog on the Saguaro Boot to better understand how these “Boots,” are formed and to see a couple of pictures of what they look like inside a Saguaro.)

These Owls are plentiful in the Sonoran desert but, they are protected.  They are small enough that there is nothing to be afraid of in regards to children and small animals.  Since they try and sleep most of the day, if you observe them, be glad they are around for the insects and animals they eat, and leave them alone.  If, however, you find one injured, please call 1^st Response Wildlife or one of the rehabilitation centers here in the greater Tucson area like Forever Wild. www.foreverwild.org.

Thanks, Wildman Josh :)

Josh's Cell (24/7 Hours): 520-260-9517

Josh Waling is a humane Licensed Animal Trapper who catches and releases wildlife, removing animals including bobcats (lince), snakes, rattlesnakes (serpiente de cascabel), raccoons (mapache), pack rats, gila monsters (monstruos de gila), rabbits (canejo), owls, bats, squirrels (ardilla) , coatimundi (gato solo), exotics, and domestic cats and dogs. He delivers service that is professional and fast and he is available 24/7.  Give him a call the next time you hear unusual noises in the attic or crawl spaces in your home or if you see wildlife eating your vegetation, creating nests, and raising their young too close to your pets or children. 520-260-9517 Thanks!

 

Comments

[yo]

quite wonderful