Eastern screech owls are strictly nocturnal, roosting during the day in cavities or next to tree trunks. They are quite common, and can often be found in residential areas. However, due to their small size and camouflage, they are much more frequently heard than actually seen. These owls are frequently heard calling at night, especially during their spring breeding season. Despite their name, this owl does not truly screech. The eastern screech owl 's call is a tremolo with a descending, whinny - like quality, like that of a miniature horse. They also produce a monotone purring trill lasting 3 -- 5 seconds. Their voices are unmistakable and follow a noticeably different phrasing than that of the western screech owl. The lugubrious nature of the eastern screech owl 's call has warranted description such as, "A most solemn graveyard ditty, the mutual consolation of suicide lovers remembering the pangs and delights of the supernal love in the infernal groves, Oh - o-o-o, had I never been bor - r-r-n. (James Hubbard Langille, 1884).
where do screech owls go during the day
in cavities or next to tree trunks