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Eastern Screech Owls
scientific name: Otus
asio
By: Ahmed
Classification
classificaion:
kingdom: Animalia
phylum: Chordata
class: AVES
order: Strigiformes
family: Strigidae
genus:Megascops
species: Miasio
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Physical Description
Eastern Screech Owls are small owls from 16 to 25 cm in length. Females
are generally larger than males, which is common in owls. Eastern Screech
Owls are dichromatic, which means that they come in two distinct color morphs.
Diet and Feeding Habits
Eastern Screech Owls eat the most varied diet of any North American owl.
Their diet includes large evening active insects, like moths and katydids,
crayfish, earthworms, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals, like mice,
bats and small birds. These owls have symmetrical ears.
Reproduction
Most Eastern Screech Owls bond for life with individuals of the same age.
Some mate switching occurs after unsuccessful nesting attempts and some males
have been observed nesting simultaneously and sequentially with more than
one female. Both males and females crouch and trill when their mate approaches
Habitat
Eastern Screech Owls are found in North America. They are found in virtually
all kinds of habitats. They live at about 1500 meters elevation.
Role in the Ecosystem
Eastern Screech Owls are predators. They are preyed on as adults and
fledglings by larger owls, hawks, and other Eastern Screech Owls. Eggs and
nestlings may be taken by black ratsnakes, Virginia opossums, raccoons, and
ringtails. The eastern screech owl will hunt for destructive smaller birds
and mammals and help control insect populations.
Bibliography
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Otus_asio.html
book
http://www.bv229.k12.ks.us/biophilia/wsc/forestanimal/easternscreehowl.html
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