"Screech" - a Screech Owl

This mature male (gray phase) screech owl was found in Johnson County after being hit by a car. The ulna and radius of the right wing had an overlapping fracture that had already begun to heal. His flight ability is impaired so he can't be released back into the wild.

"Screech" serves a dual purpose within our facility. During the baby season he is a foster parent to orphaned owlets that will be released back into the wild. During the off season he is part of OWL's education team teaching young and old the value of our native wildlife.

Fun Facts

Screech owls come in three color phases -- gray, red and brown.
They nest in hollow trees and are quite common to the urban area. Often found roosting facing the bright sunlight.
Found all over the United States and Canada.
Smallest North American owl with ear tufts. The tufts aid in camouflage and are only feathers.
A nocturnal owl capable of catching insects on the wing. Hunting begins soon after dusk.
American kestrel is their daytime counterpart, often sharing the same habitat.
Fringed edges of the feathers aid in silent flight and facial disks focus sound waves to the ears.
Their call is a shrill scream.
Eggs are incubated almost entirely by female for approximately 26 days.
Young fledge at about 28 days.
Average life span is approximately 4 years in the wild.

Read about a different education animal.