SCREECH OWL 
373. Otus asio. 9.5 in. 
Two color phases independent of age, sex or season; 
eyes yellow; has ear tufts. The Screech Owl, or its 
sub-species, is found throughout the United States, and 
is one of the most abundant and best known of the 
family. They are not at all timid, in winter fre- 
quently being found in church towers, while on the 
outskirts of cities and in the country, they reside, at all 
seasons of the year, in orchards. They remain mated 
for life, and live in the same tree for years, if not too 
much disturbed by curious boys. Both adults and the 
four young are often found in the nest together, and 
they offer no resistance when they are removed by 
hand. Their food is almost wholly of insects and 
rodents. 
Notes.—A wavering trill. 
Nest.—In holes of trees; eggs white (1.35x 1.20). 
Range.—Resident in U .S. and southern Canada. 
373a. Florida Screech Owl (floridanus), is smaller 
and slightly darker. 373b. Texas Screech Owl (ime- 
ealli), is smaller and more heavily barred on the 
sides. 
