Above: Eastern Screech-Owl (photo by: Dennis Swayze)
What does it look like?
The Eastern Screech-Owl is about the size of a robin, but much stockier and shorter-tailed. There are three colour varieties (or morphs): grey, brown and red. Of these, the grey morph is by far the most common in Manitoba. Its plumage is a mottling of grey and white; small “ears” are prominent on its head, as opposed in other small owls in the province. Two types of song are produced; a descending whinny and a monotonous trill on one pitch.
Does it migrate?
Eastern Screech-Owls are strictly non-migratory and remain on their breeding territories during winter.
Above: Eastern Screech-Owl with eyes closed (photo by Garry Budyk)
Where does it live?
In Manitoba screech-owls are restricted to the south. Here they prefer mature deciduous woodlands, especially river-bottom forest. Most reports come from the Winnipeg and Brandon areas, but this is largely an artifact of more intense coverage by birders.
Above: Eastern Screech-Owl perched in a tree (photo by Rudolf Koes)
Where can I see it?
In winter virtually the only way to see this nocturnal hunter is by finding or hearing of a roosting location. Over the years many traditional roosting spots have been found and these became popular with both birders and, more recently, photographers. Good birding etiquette is needed at such roosts and birds should not be harassed. Scolding chickadees and nuthatches often betray the presence of a roosting bird.
Above: eastern Screech-Owl at night (photo by Dennis Swayze)
Conservation:
Populations seem to be stable and there appear to be no conservation concerns.
Did you know?
The Eastern Screech-Owl appears to be a relatively recent addition to Manitoba’s avifauna, having first been reported about a century ago. Red – and to a lesser extent brown – morphs were formerly more common in Manitoba but those birds are apparently less cold-resistant than grey birds and hence have largely disappeared from our province.