gray phase; no sexual dimorphism (California, USA; 2007-08-11)


Western Screech Owl
Megascops kennicottii

Native Range: North America and Middle America

Notes: the western counterpart in the USA of the Eastern Screech Owl; a small 'ear-tufted' owl of woodlots and forest edges; feeds on rodents and insects; nests in tree hollows; comes in both brown and gray color phases.


ear tufts; streaked, camoflaged as treebark (California, USA; 2007-08-11)

small size, bright yellow iris (California, USA; 2007-08-11)