OWLS 
257 
Distinctions. With one very rare exception, the Flammulated Screech Owl, the only 
horned owl with wing under 7 inches. Easily known from that species by having yellow, 
instead of black, eyes. 
Field Marks. Size, and the distinct horns, are the best field marks. Its call, a long 
quaver, is very distinctive. 
Nesting. In hollow trees. 
Distribution. Nearly all of temperate North America north to southern Canada. 
Scarce, or not occurring in Saskatchewan and Alberta. 
SUBSPECIES. The Screech Owl is divided into a number of geographical races. 
Eastern birds are the Eastern Screech Owl (le Petit-due de l’Est) Otus asio naevius. Mani- 
toba specimens and probably those specimens from Saskatchewan are noticeably paler 
and can be referred to Aiken’s Screech Owl (le Petit-due d'Aiken) Otus asio aikeni. Both 
these forms have good strong red and grey phases. In southern British Columbia we 
have MacFarlane’s Screech Owl (le Petit-due de McFarlane) Otus asio macfarlanei in the 
interior, and Kennicott’s Screech Owl (le Petit-due de Kennicott) Otus asio kennicotti 
west of the Coast Range. These are both single phased, of the grey type, or if two phases 
can be recognized, the red colour is much subdued and not nearly as brilliant as in the 
Eastern race. The browns are always warmer and redder than the Eastern form, and, 
the coast birds especially, are of darker general colour. 
Although called “Screech” owl, the notes of this bird certainly are 
not screeches. They may be heard at night coming from a distant copse, 
melodious and soothing, with a tinge of melancholy, and contain nothing 
harsh or grating. The commoner call is a long, soft, tremolo whistle. An 
imitation will bring the original author close up to see what rash stranger 
Screech Owl invades its chosen haunts, and it challenges with answering 
whistles and chuckles. When undisturbed by intruders, the notes include 
an infinite number of low croons and gurgling tones. Occasionally Screech 
Owls can be induced to nest or rest in boxes, and every day, as evening 
approaches, the alert round head with feather-ringed, yellow eyes framed 
in the opening and awaiting the coming dusk is a pretty sight. Though 
generally inoffensive, Screech Owls sometimes show surprising courage 
in defence of their fledgling family. At night the parent bird will boldly 
attack, sweeping down at the head of the intruder with a startling, hollow- 
sounding “who-ivho” and snapping bill. This is usually little more than a 
demonstration, however, and, just before striking, it wheels up into the 
darkness again to gather momentum for a return. Such attacks, although 
sometimes disconcerting, are far from dangerous, and more a source of 
amusement and admiration than alarm. 
Economic Status. The official finding on the food of the Screech Owl 
is warrant for its protection. Of 212 stomachs examined, 1 contained 
poultry; 38, other birds; 91, mice; 11, other mammals; 2, lizards; 4, frogs 
and toads; 1, fish; 100, insects; 5, spiders; 9, crawfish; 7, miscellaneous; 
22, scorpions; and 2, earthworms. The poultry item must be regarded as 
an accidental occurrence, as the bird represented, a pigeon, would be 
exceedingly large prey for this owl. 
The loss of the small birds it takes under natural conditions may be 
regarded with equanimity. Unless individuals depopulate our bird-houses 
and garden preserves, little can be said against the species. 
374. Flammulated Screech Owl. le petit-duc nain. Otus fiammeolus . L, 6 • 50. 
Like a small, grey Screech Owl, but with dark, instead of yellow, eyes. 
Distinctions. Like a very small, light grey Screech Owl, but with dark eyes, and toes 
naked to their base. 
Field Marks. Too rare to be recorded on eyesight observation, but very small size, 
ear tufts, and dark eyes will serve to distinguish this species. 
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