The Western Screech-Owl is a very common resident in much of the Western U.S., Canada and Mexico and is often the most abundant night predator in its range. Here you will find video, photos, recordings and a brief field notes section to help identify and enjoy this beautiful owl. A more in depth write up and range map can be found in its natural history page (the Biology link). To jump immediately to any of these sections use the Page Jump Links below.

Separation in the field, of the Screech-Owls, is actually only feasible by voice. The Western Screech-Owl can be distinguished with his primary "bouncing-ball" (territorial) call. This is a common owl in the west. The sexes are alike in appearance although male and female can be distinguished by voice. The ear tufts may or may not be visible in the field. Color varies but most commonly they are gray to brownish (a rare red form is also in costal British Columbia and Alaska). The bill is almost always black and the eyes are yellow. Length is 8 1/2" (about the size of a Red-winged Blackbird). A nocturnal owl.