Eastern Screech Owl ( Otus asio )OWLS
Eastern Screech Owl ( Otus asio )
A small owl with yellow eyes and usually a pale bill. Ear tufts are prominent when raised.
When flattened the owl has a round head. These owls are common in a wide variety of habitats: woodlots, forests, swamps, orchards, parks and suburban gardens.
Preys on rodents and insects. Ranges over the eastern U.S. and extreme southern areas of Eastern Canada.
Elf Owl ( Micrathene whitneyi )This is the smallest owl in North America - L5¾"(15cm). It has yellow eyes a very short tail and lacks ear tufts.
It is common in desert lowlands and in canyons, especially in oaks or sycamores. It hunts small defenseless prey such as insects.
Nests in cacti. Ranges over southern Arizona, a SW corner of New Mexico and the southern tip of Texas.
Ferruginous Pygmy Owl ( Glaucidium brasilianum )
This owl has a long reddish tail with dark or dusky bars.
Upperparts are grayish-brown. The crown is faintly streaked. The eyes are yellow. Black marks on the back of the head look like eyes.
This owl inhabits saguero deserts and low, open woodlands. Ranges over parts of Arizona and Texas. It roosts in crevices and cavities.
Will attack prey several times its own size.
Flammulated Owl ( Otus flammeolus )
This owl has dark eyes and small ear tufts. It has variegated red and gray plumage.
It is a common resident in oak , pine and ponderosa woodlands. It nests and roosts in tree cavities, usually old woodpecker holes.
Preys on small rodents and insects. Ranges from British Columbia to west Texas.