2 eastern screech owls high up in a tree | Harry Collins Photography

Living in a variety of forest types, the diet of the Eastern screech owl is one of the most varied of all North American owl species. Primary prey is region-specific, with these tiny raptors feeding on everything from insects, crayfish, and earthworms to songbirds, rodents, and amphibians. Hunting under the cover of darkness, screech owls will swoop down from their perch and capture prey, sometimes storing uneaten food items in tree cavities. This red phased screech owl was photographed at the W

Eastern screech owl | Harry Collins Photography

The little Eastern Screech-Owl lives alongside people in many suburban and even urban settings throughout the eastern United States. Although widespread, this nocturnal bird, like the Barn Owl and Eastern Whip-poor-will, often goes unseen and is best detected by its song and calls. The screech-owl has a distinctive, whinny-like call. If you've heard that odd sound, you may have an Eastern Screech-Owl as a neighbor! This owl also brings an unexpected visitor to its nest in one of the bird world's