The Owl Pages

The Species: (page 1 of 2) - page 2

Eastern Screech Owl (Otus asio) - This small Owl, our most common, is found in most habitats - and is even found in towns. It appears in both gray and rufous colour morphs. Screech Owls eat insects, crayfish, earthworms, songbirds and rodents. This owl is a 'sit and wait' predator. The Screech Owl emits a trilling 'tremelo' sound (on one pitch) that is used to contact a mate or hunting partner. A 'whinnying' call is used for territorial defense. Most pairs of Eastern Screech Owls bond for life. These owls are mainly nocturnal, and nest in cavities of trees and sometimes utilize nest boxes.

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virinianus) - The only animal which regularly eats skunks! Has a broad diet consisting of small mammals, rabbits, geese, herons, birds, amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates, but mostly mammals. Great Horned Owls will take large prey, even other raptors (like Osprey and Peregrine Falcons), and regularly hunt and kill other owls. This species is often seen being harrassed and mobbed by smaller birds - especially crows. The Great Horned Owl is the most important predator of the American Crow. Great Horned Owls live in a variety of habitats, prefering open and secondary growth woodlands and agricultural areas - sometimes seen in suburban and urban areas as well. This owl hunts at night, perching next to open areas. Great Horned Owls nest in trees and on cliffs, buildings, and on the ground. They do not make their own nest, but take over nests of other raptors. The female is larger in size but the male has a deeper 'hoot!'.

Sound files are the Eastern Screech Owl and Great Horned Owl.