Western screech-owl
Otus kennicottii
Identification Tips:
- Small, nocturnal, predatory bird
- Large, rounded head with ear tufts
- Yellow eyes
- Dense streaking on underparts with finer barring
- Dark gray or brown upperparts
- Sexes similar
Similar species:
The Western Screech-Owl is very similar in plumage to Whiskered and Eastern
Screech-Owls and is best separated by voice. Other small owls lack prominent
ear tufts.