Birders

Donkees

(32,794 posts) Mon Feb 6, 2023, 07:16 PM Feb 2023

Eastern Screech Owl

Ed Erkes

5 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

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Eastern Screech Owl (Original Post) Donkees Feb 2023 OP

I don't understand why they are called 'screech' owls. Their call is like a soft AndyS Feb 2023 #1

Part of their aggressive threat displays includes some higher-pitch squealing (screeching) Donkees Feb 2023 #2

Thank you for the sounds. I've heard the first two many many times. AndyS Feb 2023 #4

Here's a video of a Screech Owl ''screeching'' Donkees Feb 2023 #5

These photos are breathtaking democrank Feb 2023 #3

AndyS

(14,559 posts)

1. I don't understand why they are called 'screech' owls. Their call is like a soft

Reply to Donkees (Original post)

Mon Feb 6, 2023, 07:33 PM

Feb 2023

cooing. In a previous life I had a mated pair come back year after year and raise a brood of owlets in a box on the tree in my back yard. It was one of the most wonderful experiences I had!

Daddy owl just hanging out nearby in the daytime.

Baby owlet checking out the world.

Donkees

(32,794 posts)

2. Part of their aggressive threat displays includes some higher-pitch squealing (screeching)

Reply to AndyS (Reply #1)

Mon Feb 6, 2023, 08:02 PM

Feb 2023

There's an audio clip of the 'squeal' in link:

Among the Eastern Screech-Owl’s many calls are soft, low hoots; loud, sharp barking calls that indicate alarm or agitation; and, true to their name, screeches—typically given by adults defending nests or fledglings.

https://birdwatchinghq.com/eastern-screech-owl-sounds-and-calls/

AndyS

(14,559 posts)

4. Thank you for the sounds. I've heard the first two many many times.

Reply to Donkees (Reply #2)

Mon Feb 6, 2023, 08:20 PM

Feb 2023

The last is new to me. I guess they never felt threatened in our suburban neighborhood.

Thanks also for the wonderful photography you make available to us. Who knew there were so many different humming birds! I hope to post some hummers this March when they come back brom down South.

Donkees

(32,794 posts)

5. Here's a video of a Screech Owl ''screeching''

Reply to AndyS (Reply #4)

Mon Feb 6, 2023, 09:51 PM

Feb 2023

Screech starts about 2:00 minute mark:

Nov 16, 2017
Watch and listen as Ms. Owl puffs up her feathers and then screeches loudly several times. These are defensive, territorial warnings. The sound is rarely recorded.

_____

And as for the Hummingbirds, there are several hundred species/sub-species to sort through!

democrank

(11,483 posts)

3. These photos are breathtaking

Reply to Donkees (Original post)

Mon Feb 6, 2023, 08:09 PM

Feb 2023

Thank you

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