A small, yellow-eyed owl with ear tufts of Western North America. Adult is gray-brown overall with black streaks crossed by weak horizontal bars underneath, subtly patterned wings, gray face with black border, and dark bill. Some adults are more saturated brown, but no red morph. Sexes are similar. Eastern Screech-Owl has pale bill and stronger 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:

Accelerating trill, like the rhythm of a bouncing ball, also shorter trills and screeches.

Habitat:

Mixed and deciduous woodlands, riparian areas, edges, deserts, 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, and other small animals.