About Megascops kennicottii (D.G.Elliot, 1867)
Megascops kennicottii, commonly known as the western screech owl, averages 22 cm (8.7 in) in length, 55 cm (22 in) in wingspan, and 143 g (5.0 oz) in weight. Its total weight ranges from 88 to 220 g (3.1 to 7.8 oz). Females of this species are larger than males, and populations living in northern regions are notably larger than populations in southern regions. Adult western screech owls are larger than whiskered screech owls, with larger feet and a more heavily streaked plumage pattern. This species has several distinct plumage morphs: brown Pacific, grey Pacific, Great Plains, Mojave, and Mexican. All morphs have either brown or dark gray plumage with streaking on the underparts, and there is no red morph for this species. This combination of brown and gray streaky coloration lets the owl camouflage against tree bark to hide from predators. Western screech owls have a round head with ear tufts, yellow eyes, and a yellowish bill. Their appearance is very similar to whiskered screech owls and eastern screech owls, so the most reliable way to identify them is by their calls. This species was previously classified as the same species as the eastern screech owl. The western screech owl is native to Canada, the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua. Its habitat includes temperate forests, subtropical and tropical montane forests, shrubland, desert, rural fields, and even suburban parks and gardens.
