Did You Know?
The Eurasian Eagle Owl is amongst the largest owls on earth -- with a wingspan of 6ft!
Eastern screech owls have either rusty or dark gray intricately patterned plumage with streaking on the undersides. Small and stocky, short-tailed and broad-winged, they have a large round head with ear tufts, yellow eyes and a yellowish bill. Rusty birds are more common in the southern parts of the range; pairings of the two color variants do occur. A pale gray variation also exists in western Canada and the north-central United States.
Usually solitary, they nest in a tree cavity, either natural or provided by the previous activities of a woodpecker. They are strictly nocturnal, roosting during the day in cavities or next to tree trunks. They are quite common, though generally go unnoticed, and can often be found in residential areas. Fearless defenders of their nests, screech owls will often strike unsuspecting humans on the head as they pass by at night.
2 screech owls currently call PPZ their home – both of which were donated from MSU.
There are no photos available for this animal.