General Description: Eastern Screech-Owls (Megascops asio) are small, reddish-brown or gray owls with small ear tufts. The tufts, however, can be raised and lowered, so the head may appear rounded. Screech-Owls are heavily streaked, which give them excellent camouflage against tree bark, where they normally roost during the day. The eyes are yellow, and the bill usually is dark.

Taxonomy: Strigiformes, Strigidae. Formerly Otus asio.

Favored Habitat: These owls generally are found in forested country where they nest in tree cavities and sometimes in old buildings, although they occasionally show up in other habitats such as urban areas.

Where to Find: Don't look for Eastern Screech-Owl around Las Vegas. Rather, look for them in forested areas, especially near water, east of the Rocky Mountains, mostly within the US, but straying slightly into Canada and Mexico.

Comments: Owls are hard to find, but listen for them at night. The main call of Eastern Screech-Owls is a descending whinny.