228 



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 it* 

 sub-species, is found throughout the United States, and 

 is one of the most abundant and best known of tin- 

 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 (1.35x1.20). 



Range. Resident in U. S. and southern Canada. 

 373a. Florida Screech Owl (floridanus), is smaller 

 and slightly darker, 373b. Texas Screech Owl (mc- 

 calli), is smaller and more heavily barred on the 

 sides. 



