The Eastern Screech Owl can be found in several different habitats all around the eastern half of the United States. Any decaying tree cavities found in forests, woodlands, urban, or suburban areas make great homes for this small owl. The species only reaches about nine inches tall!

As for their calls, these owls make a variety of noises. The most common is a trill used by males and females. This sound serves several purposes such as marking territory and courting. It is even used by the mother to encouraging the young to fledge from their nest. The screeching cry they are named after is often a verbal defense of their nest or territory.

The screech owl featured in the picture was admitted for head trauma. With treatment, the owl recovered quickly and was successfully released Tuesday, August 9th.

— Shauna McLeod, Student Intern.