Luna
Luna is a Gray Phase Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio) We are pretty sure Luna was hit by a car, as she was found on the side of the road. Luna joined our education birds in 2020.
Salem
Salem is a Red Phase Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio) . She was hit by a car and damaged her left eye which left her permanently blind in her left eye. She also has lost hearing on her left side.
Eastern Screech Owl(Megascops asio) Facts
Eastern Screech Owls are small owls that are typically gray or reddish brown (more common in this part of North Carolina). They have distinctive ear-like feather tufts, yellow eyes, a yellowish beak, and feathered toes. They are “perch and pounce” predators and are quite aggressive despite their size.
Size
Length: 16-25 cm (6.3-9.8 in.)
Wing span: 51-56 cm (20-22 in.)
Weight: 110-200 g (3.9-7 oz.)
Habitat
Almost anywhere with trees.
Diet
Insects, small birds, mice, voles.
Call
Barks, hoots, rasp trills, and one that resembles a horse’s whinny
Nesting
Nests in tree cavities. Usually 3-5 eggs that hatch in approx. 26 days
Life Expectancy
In the wild: up to 8 years (if they survive the first year)
In captivity: up to 13 years