This little permanent resident is quite common in the outlying sections of the cities. He seems to care for the society of man. Very often, he is to be found near human dwellings rather than far out in the woods. Just why we should call this bird the “Screech Owl” is somewhat of a mystery. The Owl has a tremulous, quavering voice that in no way suggests a “screech.” Perhaps it is that the name has come to us from Europe. At any event, it is not appropriate to our small Owl.

Food: Sometimes in walks out-of-doors we may come upon small, gray colored pellets made of hair and tiny bones. Very often, these have been ejected by the Screech Owl, who is able to digest the flesh of his prey but not the skeleton and the outer covering. This beneficial night flier feeds upon mice and other creatures. His sharp, hooked beak is adapted to tearing food and his rather long and pointed little talons are of great use in grasping it.

Color: There are two color phases of the Screech Owl. One is a mixture of mottled reddish brown, and the other a brownish gray shade tinged with black. These two phases have nothing to do either with sex, age, or season.

“Ears:” The two small tufts, one on either side of the head, are not ears at all. They are merely feathers. They may well serve to distinguish this bird from the Acadian or Saw-whet Owl which is not at all common.

Nest: The nest of the Screech Owl is often placed in a hole in a hollow tree. The pure white eggs, some five or six in number, are laid in April.