This little permanent resident is quite common in the outlying sections
of the cities. He seems to care for the society of man. Very often, he
is to be found near human dwellings rather than far out in the woods.
Just why we should call this bird the "Screech Owl" is somewhat of a
mystery. The Owl has a tremulous, quavering voice that in no way
suggests a "screech." Perhaps it is that the name has come to us from
Europe. At any event, it is not appropriate to our small Owl.
Food: Sometimes in walks out-of-doors we may come upon small, gray
colored pellets made of hair and tiny bones. Very often, these
have been ejected by the Screech Owl, who is able to digest the
flesh of his prey but not the skeleton and the outer covering.
This beneficial night flier feeds upon mice and other creatures.
His sharp, hooked beak is adapted to tearing food and his rather
long and pointed little talons are of great use in grasping it.
Color: There are two color phases of the Screech Owl. One is a mixture
of mottled reddish brown, and the other a brownish gray shade
tinged with black. These two phases have nothing to do either with
sex, age, or season.
"Ears:" The two small tufts, one on either side of the head, are not
ears at all. They are merely feathers. They may well serve to
distinguish this bird from the Acadian or Saw-whet Owl which is
not at all common.
Nest: The nest of the Screech Owl is often placed in a hole in a hollow
tree. The pure white eggs, some five or six in number, are laid in
April.
When night time comes, the Whip-poor-will sings,
The Owl sails off on noiseless wings
To search for mice and other things;
And I go home to bed.
[Illustration: _Screech Owl_]