Eastern Screech-Owl Megascops asio
A small owl common in forests around Montreal. Especially in winter, the individuals of this species can be seen frequently at the same spot, a tree cavity even when the spot is not used to nest.
Specs
| Length | 20-25cm |
| Weight | 150-250g |
| Wingspan | 45-61cm |
Common Names
| German | Ost-Kreischeule |
| English | Eastern Screech-Owl |
| French | Petit-duc Maculé |
| Spanish | Autillo yanqui |
Taxonomy
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Species | Megascops asio |
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How to Identify
This species exists in two color flavors, a grey variant and a reddish variant. Both variants can be seen around Montreal. Similar to other, larger owls, I use the shape of the ears and the line from the eye to the ear to identify this bird.
Where and When to Spot
Best spotted during the winter months due to the lack of foliage and because the bird is more frequently resting at the same spot. Once you know the different possible resting places, finding the owl is easy.
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parc Angrignon | x | x | - | x |
| Parc Michel-Chartrand | x | - | - | x |
Where and when a species has been observed, identified, and recorded.