The Western Screech-Owl is a small, streaked gray owl of western North America, nearly identical to the Eastern Screech-Owl but with a different song — a series of toots on a single pitch (the 'bouncing ball' trill) rather than a descending whinny. It nests in tree cavities, nest boxes, and abandoned woodpecker holes. It is often heard but rarely seen, roosting tightly against tree bark by day.
Best time to see a Western Screech-Owl
The best time to see a Western Screech-Owl is February–July, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 5,808 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Western Screech-Owl? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Western Screech-Owl sightings near you
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