Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio)

In 2007, this Eastern Screech Owl suffered an impact injury that broke his upper beak (creating a misalignment) and affected his vision in both eyes. He was in adult plumage when injured so we don’t know his age.  He became a part of the RMRP educational program in 2009 when he was transferred to RMRP from Auburn Alabama University’s Raptor Center. Coming from the more humid south-east explains his unique red coloring, which would blend in well with the color of tree bark found in that area of the country.  The Eastern Screech Owls found in Colorado are a generally grey/ brown color, which allows them to blend in with the color of the local tree bark.

As an educational bird, this Eastern Screech Owl went to programs and exhibits to help represent the many shapes and sizes of birds of prey.

Never forget that big things often come in small packages.