Screech Owl Residing in Falmouth Backyard

This Eastern Screech Owl (red phase) has made its home in a local backyard nesting box in West Falmouth.  This adult owl is a striking reddish brown overall with streaked underparts, yellow eyes, pale grayish bill and short “ear” tufts.  The Eastern Screech Owl species has two distinct color phases, red and gray. The red phase is less common than the gray phase.

These widespread owls are typically heard but not seen. Click here to listen to the descending whinny-like territorial call!  They nest in tree holes in woodlands and suburban areas as well as in nest boxes. The Screech Owl is mostly nocturnal and usually becomes active around dusk. “They hunt from dusk to dawn, with most hunting being done during the first four hours of darkness.They hunt mainly from perches, occasionally hovering to catch prey. The Screech mainly hunts in open woodlands, along the edges of open fields or wetlands, or makes short forays into open fields,” according to Owlpages.com.

Mass Audubon has developed an excellent online guide to Owls in Massachusetts. You’ll find an overview, instructions on how to build a nest box, local owling programs at Mass Audubon sanctuaries, an online Owl reporting page to record and share your sightings, and a very informative section on the 11 owls species that may be seen or heard in Massachusetts!

Enjoy,

Craig Gibson
Woods Hole

 

Comments

[Diana]

Absolutely beautiful photo. Great color. Our nesting pair here in NJ is grey (female) and red (male).