Skip to main content

Whiskered Screech-Owl Identification

Looking for ID Help?

Our free app offers quick ID help with global coverage.

Try Merlin Bird ID

Identification


Powered by Merlin

Small owl restricted to oak woodlands in canyons and foothills in Mexico, barely reaching into southeast Arizona and southwest New Mexico. Finely patterned in gray, black, and white. Very similar to Western Screech-Owl; best distinguished by voice. Two song types: one a relatively even series of five to eight "toot" notes; the other sounds like morse code: "toot-toot, toot, toot, toot-toot, toot." Also note paler bill than Western Screech-Owl.

Relative Size

Slightly smaller than a Western Screech-Owl.

Relative Sizerobin sizedrobin-sized

Measurements

  • Both Sexes
    • Length: 5.9-7.5 in (15-19 cm)
    • Weight: 2.5-4.2 oz (70-120 g)