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Range (Eastern North America) (IV)

Eastern North America, northward to New Brunswick and Minnesota; generally resident throughout its range. Washington, common P. R. Sing Sing, common P. R. Cambridge, common P. R. Nest, generally in a hollow tree. Eggs, four to six, 1.55 x 1.22. The Screech Owl frequently makes its home near our dwellings, and sometimes selects a convenient nook in them in which to lay its eggs. But its favorite retreat is an old apple orchard, where the hollow limbs offer it a secure refuge from the mobs of small birds which are ever ready to attack it. A search in the trees of an orchard of this kind rarely fails to result in the discovery of one or more of these feathered inhabitants who may have resided there for years. They attempt to escape capture by a show of resistance and a castanetlike cracking of the bill, but when brought from their hiding place sit quietly, dazzled for a moment by the sudden light. They then elongate themselves and almost close their eyes, thus rendering themselves as inconspicuous as possible. How differently they appear when the western sky fades and their day begins! Is any bird more thoroughly awake than a hungry Screech Owl? With ear-tufts erected and his great, round eyes opened to the utmost, he is the picture of alertness. When night comes one may hear the Screech Owl's tremulous, wailing whistle. It is a weird, melancholy call, welcomed only by those who love Nature's voice whatever be the medium through which she speaks. "Of 255 stomachs examined, 1 contained poultry; 38, other birds; 91, mice; 11, other mammals; 2, lizards; 4, batrachians; 1, fish; 100, insects; 5, spiders; 9, crawfish; 7, miscellaneous; 2, scorpions; 2, earthworms; and 43 were empty" (Fisher). 373a. M. a. floridanus (Ridgw.). FLORIDA SCREECH OWL. - Much like the preceding, but smaller, with the colors deeper and markings of the under parts heavier. W., 5-95; T., 2.80.