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This lesson will explore the Eastern Screech Owl's name, habitat and range, size, weight and wingspan, differences between males and females, prey selection, unique behavior, and reproduction and nesting behavior. We will also share an impressive fact about the Eastern Screech Owl.
How The Eastern Screech Owl Got Its Name
The Eastern Screech Owl gets its name from the sound it makes. The owl's call sounds like a screech, but it is actually a series of trills and whistles. The owl uses the call to communicate with other owls and establish its territory.
Habitat And Range
The Eastern Screech Owl lives in various habitats, including forests, woodlands, and suburban areas. They are most commonly found in wooded areas near water, such as streams and rivers. The Eastern Screech Owl is found throughout the eastern United States, from the Great Plains to the Atlantic Coast.
Size, Weight & Wingspan
The Eastern Screech Owl is a small owl, measuring between 7 and 10 inches in length. It has a wingspan of 18 to 24 inches and weighs between 4 and 8 ounces. Despite its small size, the Eastern Screech Owl is a formidable predator, capable of taking prey much larger than itself.
Differences Between Males And Females
The Eastern Screech Owl exhibits sexual dimorphism, meaning there are physical differences between males and females. Females are generally larger than males and have a deeper voice. Males have a higher-pitched call and tend to be more vocal than females.
Prey Selection
The Eastern Screech Owl is a carnivore and feeds mainly on small mammals, such as mice and voles. They also eat insects, birds, and reptiles. The Eastern Screech Owl hunts at night and uses its excellent hearing and vision to locate prey.
Unique Eastern Screech Owl Behavior
The Eastern Screech Owl is known for its unique behavior of roosting in tree cavities during the day. This behavior allows the owl to avoid predator detection and rest during the day. The Eastern Screech Owl is also known for its ability to camouflage itself, which helps it blend in with its surroundings and avoid detection.
Reproduction And Nesting Behavior
The Eastern Screech Owl breeds in the spring and summer months. The female lays between 2 and 6 eggs, which she incubates for around four weeks. The male brings food to the female during this time. After the eggs hatch, the female cares for the young while the male brings food.
A Unique Fact About The Eastern Screech Owl
One unique fact about the Eastern Screech Owl is that it is one of the few owl species that can have red or gray feathers. Red is more common in the southern part of the Eastern Screech Owl's range, while gray is more common in the northern part.
