Birds
File:Megascops kennicottii USDOI.jpg

Western Screech-Owl

Western Screech-Owl

100
2 days ago
Not yet spotted on Fladder
Spotted
The Western Screech Owl is a common and adaptable small owl found across diverse habitats in western North America. It is known for its cryptic plumage that offers excellent camouflage against tree bark.
Where to spot
Widespread across western North America, from southern Alaska and British Columbia south through Mexico, inhabiting forests, woodlands, riparian areas, and suburban parks.
How to spot
Listen for its accelerating 'bouncing ball' trill. During the day, look for it roosting in tree cavities, dense evergreen foliage, or camouflaged against tree trunks.
When to spot
Strictly nocturnal, active from dusk to dawn. Most vocal in spring and early summer during courtship and nesting periods.
File:Megascops kennicottii USDOI.jpg
File:Megascops kennicottii ssp. kennicottii.jpg
File:Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicottii) (17026365169).jpg
File:Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicottii) (3399903826).jpg
File:Megascops kennicottii USDOI.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Megascops kennicottii ssp. kennicottii.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicottii) (17026365169).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicottii) (3399903826).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
This owl has a distinctive 'bouncing ball' vocalization, where the hoots speed up as if a ball is losing momentum, a key identifier when distinguishing it from other owl species.
Loading...

Spotted

Recently spotted
1873 (Seen in the last 3 months)
Last spotted
2 days ago

Monthly observations

No observations
Loading...
Nothing spotted yet

Also interesting

100

Cebu Boobook

Owls
File:Ninox hypogramma - Adam Ardian Rahman - 559222925.jpeg
100

Halmahera Boobook

Owls
File:Dugorepa sova (Strix uralensis), odrasla jedinka; Ural owl adult.jpg
65

Ural Owl

Owls
File:Ninox rudolfi 459607546 (cropped).jpg
100

Sumba Boobook

Owls
File:Glaucidium castanopterum 1838.jpg
100

Javan Owlet

Owls
uil, de ransuil, vogel
50

Long-eared Owl

Owls
File:Xenoglaux loweryi 114619287.jpg
100

Long-whiskered Owlet

Owls
File:Tanimbar boobook (Ninox forbesi).jpg
100

Tanimbar Boobook

Owls
100

Anjouan Scops-Owl

Owls
File:Allocco maculato asiatico (Strix seloputo).jpg
100

Spotted Wood-Owl

Owls