Western Screech Owl
This owl is nocturnal, and is seen feeding in the woodlands of western North America, specifically in the Pacific northwest and dry southwest. Its distribution ranges from southeastern Alaska, southern British Columbia, western United States and south through Baja California and parts of Mexico. It lives in red cedar, hemlock and Douglas fir forests, and also Sitka spruce forests near bodies of water and riparian woodlands. It prays upon small rodents and deer mice, insects, small birds, shrews, kangaroo rats and others in open woodlands where open fields or wetlands are plentiful. This owl nests in tree cavities found naturally in deciduous trees like oaks, maples and will use abandoned Pileated Woodpecker cavities as well. During mating season, the owls will call to each other and are often see preening each other’s heads and beaks. The female will lay between 3-4 eggs.
Threats to this owl include Great Horned owls, Barred owls, Long-Eared owls, raccoons, squirrels and snakes, among others. Due to their preferred habitat locations around riparian areas, much of their habitat is being threatened by tree removal. They are adaptable in that they can live in city parks if necessary.