(Western Screech Owl )
Photographed in the wild, Phoenix, AZ Apr 2009
The two hatchlings in the photo were removed (after I took the picture) and placed in a safier area because they became skidish from people congrigating below the palm tree in front of the Hotel.
A common small owl of the West, the Western Screech-Owl can be found in urban lower elevations as well as wild lands. The Western Screech Owl is likely to be confused with the Eastern Screech Owl These Owls can be distinguished by bill colour, the Eastern have gray-green bills while Western have gray to black bills) and different calls.
A common small owl of the West, the Western Screech-Owl can be found in urban lower elevations as well as wild lands. The Western Screech Owl is likely to be confused with the Eastern Screech Owl These Owls can be distinguished by bill colour, the Eastern have gray-green bills while Western have gray to black bills) and different calls.
Occasionally
takes prey larger than itself, including cottontail rabbits and Mallards.
They
are Nocturnal, with their activity generally beginning 20 to 30 minutes after
sunset. Flight is noiseless with soft wing beats and gliding. Will become
motionless if disturbed at roost, and can sometimes be caught by hand in this
state. This owl is very aggressive when defending a nest site, and may attack
humans.
No comments:
Post a Comment