Owl Houses

Eastern Screech Owls are found east of the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic. The species ranges from the Canadian boreal forests south to Mexico. They live in all forest types and prefer woodlands that are interspersed with the open clearings, meadows and fields necessary for hunting. They also inhabit wetlands, orchards, suburban parks and gardens and towns. Western Screech Owls range all along the western coast of the continent from Canada south to the Baja peninsula and into Mexico, and they are found as far east as the western border of Texas. They usually live at lower elevations and prefer open oak and riparian woodlands and seasonally wet areas. They also inhabit streamside groves, deserts, suburban parks, and gardens. Nests are typically found in natural cavities, abandoned woodpecker holes, and hollow stumps and limbs. The western species also nests in saguaro cactus cavities and abandoned magpie nests. Both species use nest boxes, and field studies show that boxes are selected as often as natural cavities for nest sites.

The Barn Owl is a year-round resident throughout much of the United States. Barn Owls prefer open to semi-open habitats such as prairie, farmland, savannah, marshland, and desert, but prefer the vicinity of farms and towns. The Barn Owl will breed in all months except January in North America. Barn Owl houses should be mounted 10 feet or higher and away from human and ground predator reach.

Northern Saw-whet Owls inhabit coniferous and deciduous forests, with thickets of second-growth or shrubs. They occur mainly in forests with deciduous trees, where woodpeckers create cavities for nest sites. Northern Saw-whet Owls nest in old woodpecker cavities, (primarily those made by Northern Flickers or Hairy Woodpeckers) or in natural cavities. They will also take to nest boxes quite readily. Nest trees are often dead and nest heights average 13 to 20 feet above ground. Nesting occurs between March and July.

The Barred Owl is widespread in North America occurring across most of the eastern half of the continent from Florida northward to southern Canada. Barred Owls prefer deep moist forests, wooded swamps, and woodlands near waterways. Courtship activities begin in February with breeding occurring between March and August. Barred Owls nest in cavities and will also use abandoned Red-shouldered Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Eastern Gray Squirrel or American Crow nests. They will also take to nest boxes quite readily.

	Screech Owl House $44.95			Barn Owl House $119.95

	Barred Owl House $119.95			Northern Saw-whet Owl House $44.95

Coveside Bird House Features