Hobbies And Interests
Description
The Eastern screech owl has projecting ear tufts, with one ear hole slightly higher than the other. The elevated ear hole helps the owl to locate sources of sound when searching for prey. The owl has large, yellow saucer-like eyes. The owl can have two color variations: reddish brown or gray. The body of the owl has dark spotting, which helps to camouflage the animal from predators such as hawks. Females tend to grow larger than males, though both male and female look similar in appearance.
Hunting
Screech owls tend to hunt primarily at night. Eastern screech owls usually rely on the dark to scope out potential prey. The owl will perch in its nook and attack creatures that draw attention. This owl can also wade in shallow water to collect crayfish. An Eastern screech owl's diet can also include earthworms, small birds and mammals, and reptiles.
Breeding
Screech owls develop monogamous relationships. However, if an owl loses its mate, it will search for a new mate to bond with. Males will initiate a courtship ritual with an interested female. A male will make calls, snap its beak and fill the female's nest with food. The female will choose a male that has supplied it with the most food. A female can lay up to seven eggs. Females will incubate the eggs, while the male will defend the nest and provide food.
Other Facts
Screech owls have specially designed flight feathers. The tips of the flight feathers are curved, which allows the owl to silently sneak up on unsuspecting prey in midair. If an Eastern screech owl feels threatened, it will flatten its body out as if it were a tree limb. A screech owl will swallow small prey whole, regurgitating indigestible parts, such as bones and fur.