Eastern Screech-Owl

Otus asio

HOW TO IDENTIFY:

* Length: 8? inches Wingspan: 22? inches
* Small, nocturnal, predatory bird
* Large, rounded head with ear tufts
* Yellow eyes
* Dense streaking on underparts with finer barring
* Some birds have rusty plumage, others dark gray
* Sexes similar

Similar species:

The Eastern Screech-Owl is very similar in plumage to Western and Whiskered Screech-Owls and is best separated by voice. Other small owls lack prominent ear tufts.