Western Screech Owl

Megascops kennicottii

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Aves · Strigiformes · Strigidae

About

The western screech owl is a small owl native to North and Central America, closely related to the eastern screech owl. The scientific name commemorates the American naturalist Robert Kennicott.

Fun Fact

Western screech owls will sometimes share their nesting cavity with a live blind snake, which feeds on insect larvae in the nest debris — an apparent mutualism where the snake acts as pest control.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Dry woodlands and desert scrub

Diet

Carnivore

Lifespan

8-13 years

Threats

Deforestation
Habitat Fragmentation

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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