Summary
- Natural history: Eastern Screech-Owls are unusual among North American owls in having two distinct color forms, gray and red, and in Vermont the red morph is comparatively rare because gray-plumaged birds appear to handle harsh winters better. The species depends on natural tree cavities for both nesting and roosting, and often ends up in apple, cottonwood, or pine trees, whose brittle branches are prone to snapping off and leaving hollows behind. Naturalists have documented the population cycling through decades of decline and recovery, suggesting a recent dip may be part of a natural pattern rather than a lasting loss.
- Status in VT: Decreased by 40% (25 to 15 blocks). Greatest decrease in Champlain Valley.
- Data from other research: No additional data for VT.
- Conservation status: State rank S3
- Other atlases: NY, ON: stable
- VT’s role in North American range: VT is near the northern edge of the range.
- Causes of change since first Atlas: Historical records suggest cyclical trends; collisions with cars (?); increased competition for nesting cavities (?); predation (?).
- Management/Monitoring recommendations:Land managers should leave standing dead trees; erection of nest boxes; focused monitoring.
First Vermont Breeding Bird Atlas (1976-1981)
Second Vermont Breeding Bird Atlas (2003 – 2007)
Change in Distribution
