Western Screech-Owl

This small owl is now rare but can be seen and heard
in woodlands around the city. It can even be found
in quite populated areas provided there are
enough large trees for cover and nesting. At
night, its call—a series of short, low notes
that accelerate toward the end—gives away
its presence. These calls are most frequent
during the breeding season from
February to May, when it nests in tree
cavities and crevices—often old wood-
pecker holes or nest boxes are used.
The Western Screech-Owl feeds on a
wide variety of prey, including insects,
amphibians, fish, worms, small mam-
mals and birds. On occasion, it will even
catch and kill prey larger than itself. Like
many owls, it uses hearing to help it locate
and catch food, but its prominent "ear"
tufts have nothing to do with
hearing—its real ears are on
the sides of its head.

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