Eastern Screech-Owl
Learn to identify the Eastern Screech-Owl by ear. Master the "ghostly whinny" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.
What the Eastern Screech-Owl sounds like
Eastern Screech-Owls occur in two color morphs, reddish-brown and gray. Both morphs are the same species and often occur in the same area; their cryptic patterns help them blend perfectly with tree bark.
“ghostly whinny”
How to tell it apart
Lessons featuring the Eastern Screech-Owl
Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Eastern Screech-Owl's sounds in these interactive in-app lessons.
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Where you'll hear it
Permanent resident; does not migrate.
Common in many habitats including suburban neighborhoods, city parks, and orchards.
Strictly nocturnal, roosting silently by day in tree cavities.
Similar species
Western Screech-Owl
Nearly identical in size and shape, but found in western North America. Visually, Western Screech-Owls have very similar plumage (also gray or reddish morphs) and also have ear tufts. Range is usually the determining factor. Their vocalizations differ: the Western gives a series of accelerating hoots (like a bouncing ball) rather than the Eastern's whinny trill. In the very limited areas of range overlap (e.g., parts of Texas), voice is the best way to distinguish them.
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Another small owl sharing some range in the East. Saw-whet Owls are even smaller and lack ear tufts. They have a round head, brown upperparts with white spots, and streaky underparts. Saw-whets have dark brown eyes (as opposed to the Screech-Owl's yellow eyes). Their call is a series of monotonic tooting whistles, very unlike the Screech-Owl's trill or whinny. They also prefer dense forests and are migratory, whereas Screech-Owls are resident and found even in suburban areas.