Screech Owl (Red Color Phase)

(Otus asio)

Arrived at Lakeside Nature Center on January, 2004.  This bird is assumed to be male.

This screech owl came to Lakeside's animal hospital from Garden City, Missouri, after being hit by a car.  Although the owl could fly, he suffered a permanent injury to his right eye.  Because he could not hunt, he could not be released.  His young age and trainability made him a perfect candidate for a Lakeside residence.

Natural history notes.

• The eastern screech owl ranges in color from gray to red and grows to be about 8 1/2 inches tall.
• Screech owls like to nest in tree cavities and, because of their small size, nocturnal habits and good camouflage, they can be hard to notice!
• Our screech owl enjoys his own tree cavity.

Check out this owl's picture gallery.

For more information on screech owls, check out the Critter Corner entry.