Spotted Owl ( Strix occidentalis )

The Spotted Owl has large dark eyes. The head, back and underparts are covered with white spots rather than barring. It inhabits thickly wooded canyons and humid forests. Preys on small rodents. Ranges over western California, Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico.

This is a small owl with yellow eyes and a dark bill. Ear tufts are prominent if raised. It is common in open woodlands, stream-side groves, desert, suburban areas and parks. It preys on small rodents and birds. Ranges over western British Columbia, the western U.S. and Mexico.

Whiskered Screech Owl ( Otus trochopsis )

Another small owl with yellow eyes and dark bill. Ear tufts are prominent when raised. When flattened the owl has a round-headed look. It inhabits dense oak and oak-conifer woodlands primarily at elevations from 4,000 to 6,000 feet. It nests and roosts in small tree cavities. Preys on insects and small rodents. In North America it is a resident only of NE Arizona.

BACK TO OWLS MAIN