Screech owls are a familiar, though often unseen, presence across Texas, known for their distinctive calls at night. Both the Eastern and Western Screech Owls reside in the state, with the Eastern species populating the eastern half and the Western species inhabiting the Trans-Pecos region, their ranges occasionally overlapping near the Pecos River. These small, nocturnal birds are masters of camouflage, blending seamlessly with tree bark due to their varied gray or reddish-brown plumage. Their small size and secretive nature mean they are more often heard than observed.
Nesting Period in Texas
Screech owls in Texas commence nesting activities in late winter or early spring. For Eastern Screech Owls in central Texas, egg-laying occurs between early March and early May, though activity can be noted as early as December or as late as June. In warmer regions, eggs are often laid from early to mid-April. Egg-laying peaks around mid-March.
Male screech owls return to their previous year’s breeding sites from late December through mid-February to reclaim territories, with females joining them by mid-March. The nesting chronology for Western Screech Owls largely mirrors that of their Eastern counterparts, with egg-laying in the lowlands of the Big Bend region starting around mid-March. Nesting in urban and suburban areas may begin earlier than in rural settings, likely influenced by localized warmer conditions.
Environmental Influences on Nesting
Environmental factors influence the precise timing of screech owl nesting. Warmer temperatures, such as those in milder winters or urban environments due to the urban heat island effect, can prompt an earlier start to the breeding season. Conversely, cooler conditions, particularly at higher elevations where Western Screech Owls reside, may lead to a slightly delayed nesting period.
The availability of food sources also impacts nesting schedules. A plentiful supply of prey, including large insects, small mammals, and birds, can support earlier nesting efforts. The presence of suitable tree cavities is another consideration, as these are necessary for nest sites.
From Eggs to Fledglings
Screech owls do not construct nests, instead utilizing natural tree cavities, old woodpecker holes, hollow stumps, or even nest boxes. Females select a nest site from within the male’s territory, preferring cavities with small entrances and sufficient depth. Eggs are laid directly onto the cavity floor, which may be lined with wood chips, twigs, or remnants from previous meals.
A typical clutch size ranges from three to five white eggs, though it can vary from two to seven. The female performs most of the incubation, lasting approximately 26 to 34 days, with the male providing her food during this period. Hatching often occurs asynchronously, meaning eggs develop and hatch at different times.
Young owlets grow rapidly, spending about 27 to 35 days in the nest before fledging. Both parents contribute to the care of the young, with the male primarily responsible for hunting and delivering food. As owlets approach fledging, parents may reduce food delivery to encourage them to leave the nest and take their first flights. After leaving the nest, young owls remain dependent on their parents for an additional 8 to 10 weeks, gradually learning to hunt before becoming fully independent around late summer.