Bird Gallery Index

Eastern Screech-Owl (red morph) image © Alan Murphy

Family: (Strigidae) Owls

Preferred Habitat: Woodlands, including wooded urban regions.

Seasonal Occurrence: Common in all seasons; nests in our area.

Notes: The Eastern Screech-Owl is the most common owl in Houston. Very small (8" - 9"), it has two color morphs: gray and red, with gray being the most common. Screech-Owls mainly eat insects, but also like to hunt for small fish and frogs. They are relatively tame and curious, and have been known to follow evening strollers out of curiosity. They readily accept an owl house. Screech-Owls are best seen in the early evening or pre-dawn hours. Their call is long, descending quavering whinny. A second call is a long, low trill.
- Susan Billetdeaux