Western Screech Owl

Western screech owls are a small species of owl common throughout the West. They are closely related to their eastern counterpart, the Eastern Screech Owl, but make different vocalizations. Contrary to their name, western screech owls don’t actually make a “screeching” noise; their primary call is a descending series of whistled notes that ends with a short trill. These small but tenacious hunters are primarily crepuscular, pursuing small mammals, birds, fish, bats, and a wide range of invertebrates. Due to their small size, they are also predated by larger animals such as hawks, skunks, snakes, or larger owls. Luckily, screech owls have excellent camouflage that helps them blend into the tree bark, allowing them to stay concealed from both predators and prey. Like many small birds, western screech owls are cavity nesters. They occupy holes created by woodpeckers or naturally-occuring crevices. Western screech owls are often displaced from their preferred riparian habitats by human development; one way we can help is by providing owl boxes for them to nest in!

Van Gogh (F) Hatched: Unknown | Arrived: October 2010 

Van Gogh was discovered in the road by a passing motorist, conscious and coherent but with severe injuries to the left side of her head. Unfortunately, many screech owls are hit by cars, especially during the winter months; headlights illuminate insects on roadways, enticing screech owls right into the path of oncoming vehicles. Van Gogh had to have one eye removed, but this alone wouldn’t have prevented her from being released. Her more serious injury was a damaged eardrum, which would prevent her from accurately locating prey while hunting.