What does a screech owl sound like?

Screech owls emit an even-pitched trilling sound when communicating with family members and other screech owls, as well as a wailing sound when defending their territory. It is common for the wailing sound to follow the trill.

Screech owls emit a variety of calls, including soft hoots, loud barks and screeches. They typically screech loudly when they are defending their young.

Screech owls often hunt their prey from tree perches and consume a varied diet that includes mice, birds, insects, earthworms and crayfish. They build their nests in hollow trees, tree stumps and hollow trunks. They are also known to create nests in mailboxes and porch columns.