This Western screech owlet was rescued and released by the Tucson Wildlife Center.

Desert Duets: Western Screech Owl Babies Web Page

Western screech owls make nests in holes in living or dead tree trunks and saguaro cacti. They will also use nest boxes that people make out of wood and hang in trees for them. A mating pair will stay together for many years.

The female owl usually lays 3 to 5 white eggs but can lay as many as 8. She sits on the nest and remains with the young when they are born while the male brings her food. Both parents defend the nest and the babies.

When they are born, Western screech owls have pure white feathers. They are about 28 days old when they take their first flight. The parents continue to care for the babies for another 5 to 6 weeks after they learn to fly.

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Launched: February 2008
Updated: 17 June 2012