Eastern Screech Owl

Scientific Name: Otis asio

Species Ambassador:

Pip

Pip came to Blandford in 2002 after being hit by a car.  His left wing was badly injured and had to be amputated.  He would not be able to hunt or escape predators in the wild.

Status of Eastern Screech Owls in Michigan

The Eastern Screech Owl can be found in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula throughout the year.

Vocals

The typical call is a descending trill.

http://macaulaylibrary.org/audio/20427

Habitat

Eastern Screech Owls can live in just about any habitat below 1500 meters of elevation.

Diet

Their diet includes a wide variety of prey items.  They eat large insects, such as moths, crayfish, earthworms, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals and small birds.

The Role of Eastern Screech Owls in Our Ecosystem

Screech Owls help to keep nocturnal small rodent and large insect populations from growing to unmanageable sizes.

Threats to Eastern Screech Owls

There are currently no serious threats to this species.

Interesting Facts

-Most Screech Owls mate for life.

-Unlike other owls, this species has symmetrical ears, which may suggest that they have superior vision and hearing.