Description
Length averages 22 cm (8.7 in), wingspan 55 cm (22 in) and weight 143 g (5.0 oz). Weight ranges from 88 to 220 g (3.1 to 7.8 oz). Females are larger than males and Northern populations are notably larger than Southern races. Adults are larger than Whiskered Screech Owls, with larger feet and more streaked plumage pattern.
There are several morphs: Brown Pacific, Grey Pacific, Great Plains, Mojave, & Mexican. All have either brown or dark gray plumage with streaking on the underparts. There is no red morph.
They have a round head with ear tufts, yellow eyes and a yellowish bill. Their appearance is quite similar to Whiskered and Eastern Screech Owls, so it's best to identify them by their calls. They were previously considered to be the same species as the Eastern Screech Owl.
Read more about this topic: Western Screech Owl
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—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)