Owls (Strigidae)
Western Screech-Owl
Megascops kennicottii. Insects, mice and small birds taken at night.
Owls (Strigidae)Western Screech-OwlMegascops kennicottii
- Scientific name
- Megascops kennicottii
- Length
- 7.5–9.8 in
- Weight
- 3.5–10.8 oz
- Nest
- Tree cavity or nest box in wooded neighborhoods
- Entrance hole
- 3 in
- Clutch
- 1–7 eggs
- Incubation
- 21–30 days
- Broods
- 1 per season
Identification
- Small grey or brown owl with ear tufts
- Yellow eyes and dark bill
- Fine streaks and bars below
Voice
An accelerating series of soft hoots — a 'bouncing ball' song.
Diet and feeding
Insects, mice and small birds taken at night.
What do western screech-owls eat? · Best feeder for western screech-owls
Western Screech-Owls by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Arizona | Year-round resident | February–June |
| British Columbia | Year-round resident | April–June |
| California | Year-round resident | February–June |
| Colorado | Year-round resident | March–June |
| Idaho | Year-round resident | March–June |
| Montana | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Nevada | Year-round resident | March–June |
| New Mexico | Year-round resident | March–June |
| Oregon | Year-round resident | March–June |
| Texas | Year-round resident | February–June |
| Utah | Year-round resident | March–June |
| Washington | Year-round resident | March–June |
| Wyoming | Year-round resident | April–June |
Frequently asked
What do western screech-owls eat?
Insects, mice and small birds taken at night. At feeders: none — a nest box and mature trees are the draw.
How big is a Western Screech-Owl?
7.5–9.8 in long and 3.5–10.8 oz.
Do western screech-owls use birdhouses?
Yes — a 3 in entrance, 8 × 8 in floor, mounted 10–30 ft.
Sources
- Western Screech-Owl — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Western Screech-Owl life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Western Screech-Owl — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- NestWatch nest box plans and species requirements — Cornell Lab
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.