Screech Owl

Eastern Screech-Owl (Otus asio)

​​​​​ Adult eastern screech-owl (red morph) Adult Eastern Screech-Owl (Red Morph)
Photo by: Kate Slankard

Status:  Common

Seasonal Occurrence: Year-round resident

Distribution: Statewide

Preferred Habitat(s): Forested areas, wooded edges, semi-forested areas and semi-open farmland

Nesting Habits: Nests in tree cavities, but will also use nest boxes

Note: Screech Owls usually come in one of two colors:  gray or red.  Both can be found in Kentucky.  A brown morph can also be found, but is more common further south, especially in Florida.​

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Liste​n to Screech Owl Call​​


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This young eastern screech owl just fledged

This young eastern screech owl just fledged.
Photo by: Kathy Caminiti

This is the gray plumage of the eastern screech owl  

This is the gray plumage of the eastern screech owl.
Photo by: Kathy Caminiti

Recently fledged Eastern Screech-Owl

Recently fledged Eastern Screech-Owl (Red Morph)
Photo by: Kathy Caminiti