Eastern Screech Owl

nocturnal · Eastern North America · woodland hunter · camouflage master

Stocky and short tailed. The eastern screech owl is much smaller than you might think, weighing only as much as a robin. Its stubby tail and thick body make it look like a little feathered potato with big eyes.

Screech like a horse. Despite its name, the eastern screech owl doesn't really screech. Instead, it makes a long, spooky whinnying sound like a horse, and also calls with a short trill that echoes through the night.

Strictly nocturnal hunter. This owl hunts only at night, catching insects, small mice, and even other birds in the darkness. Its huge eyes let it see incredibly well even when it's almost pitch black outside.

City and forest dweller. Unlike many owls that shy away from people, the eastern screech owl does pretty well living near towns and cities. You might have one living in your neighborhood, but you'd never know it because it's so good at hiding during the day.

Master of disguise. The eastern screech owl comes in two color patterns, gray and reddish, that help it blend in perfectly with tree bark. This camouflage makes it almost invisible when it roosts during the day.