A small, yellow-eyed owl with ear tufts of Eastern North America. Adult is gray-brown or rufous-red overall with black streaks crossed by definite horizontal bars underneath, subtly patterned wings, gray face with black border, and light gray bill. Sexes are similar. Western Screech-Owl has dark bill and weaker bars on belly; Whiskered Screech-Owl is smaller and heavily barred below. Note range and voice when identifying screech-owls.

Length: 22 (cm) Wingspan: 51 (cm)

Voice:

Short, descending whinny; also trills, barks.

Habitat:

Mixed and deciduous woodlands, riparian areas, edges, parks, and suburbs.

Behavior:

Nocturnal. Roosts by day in cavity. Nest is in tree cavity or birdhouse. Common in suburban areas with enough trees.

Feeding:

Hunts from stationary perch, gleaning foliage or pouncing on ground to eat insects, amphibians, reptiles, rodents, and other small animals.