The western screech owl is definitely a bird that has been misnamed. It is an owl, but it doesn’t screech. Instead, it emits a fast series of hoots. Eastern screech owls screech, but even they are far less apt to screech than to use the same rapid series of hoots.
This video clip has more information about the western screech owl, as well as showing what the bird looks like. It is definitely an animal that is far more likely to be heard than to be seen. Perhaps you have even heard it without knowing that you were hearing a screech owl.
Although this is a very common and numerous owl throughout the US, you should feel especially fortunate if you ever see one in the wild.
Owls are loved by many. They like to stay hidden, a survival instinct I am sure. Love to see them. The ones at the state park are the closest I have ever gotten to these beauties!
I agree that it is likely to be a survival instinct. If they can’t be seen, they can’t often fall victim to other predatory animals. Also, the prey they eat don’t see them and rarely even hear them. Their flight is almost silent.
I love, love, love owls. I was going to post here; about owls here; but I’ll post on MyLot. We have two owls that come by the house at night sometimes and hoot, hoot, hoot. So cool.
You can certainly post about it on Virily. We have an owl that we sometimes hear at home, but it is a great horned owl. I’d love to see it.
I would love to see ours too. I think ours are great horned owls too. They are such cool and beautiful birds.
I love owls and I love the sounds this one makes.
I do, too. I remember hearing these when I was growing up.
This is the first I am hearing the sound of Owl.
owls, including screech owls, are also found in Europe and Asia. These are one of the most common in North America, but they are found elsewhere, too.
I love their sound. I have never seen one in the wild, but have heard plenty. That was a really cool video.
I’m glad that you liked it. I rather did, too.