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Western Screech-Owl Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    Western Screech-Owls are small owls with stocky bodies. They have somewhat square heads, almost no neck, and conspicuous ear tufts. The tail is short.

    Relative Size

    Relative Sizerobin sizedrobin-sized

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 7.5-9.8 in (19-25 cm)
      • Weight: 3.5-10.8 oz (100-305 g)
      • Wingspan: 21.6-24.4 in (55-62 cm)

Regional Differences

Western Screech-Owls in the Pacific Northwest tend to be more rufous than in other parts of the range; birds of the Desert Southwest tend to be grayer.