Western Screech-Owl

The Western Screech-Owl (Otus kennicottii macfarlanei) is a small, primarily nocturnal owl that inhabits riparian woodlands in BC's southern interior. It nests in natural tree cavities, especially in large mature cottonwoods. Continued loss and degradation of riparian habitat and removal of cottonwood trees have resulted in substantial declines in western screech-owl populations, particularly in the southern interior of British Columbia. As a result, this owl is listed as an endangered species, both federally and provincially. The Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program will be conducting surveys for Western Screech-Owls in the West Kootenay in 2007. Much of the remaining cottonwood habitat that Western Screech-Owls inhabit occurs on private land. Your help is needed to restore habitat and populations of Western Screech-owls in our area!

Listen for yourself. Western Screech-Owl Call in mp3 format.

Check out our western screech-owl video from the West Kootenay.

Owls Nesting in West Kootenay

Over the years there has been anecdotal evidence of the elusive Western Screech-Owl residing near Fruitvale but its local existence has now been confirmed following inventory work by the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP.) Two pairs of this nationally endangered species were found near Fruitvale in 2008, including one nest site with fledglings. More.

Monitoring these birds helps improve our understanding of their range, distribution and feeding habits. Join wildlife biologists on a night excursion as they attempt to catch a western screech-owl and outfit the bird with a transmitter so they can begin to monitor its movements. Watch Our Video.

• Nest Box Plans from the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program
• Nest Box Plans from the Audubon Magazine

Find out more and learn how you can help the endangered Western Screech-owl.

• Western Screech-owl Fact Sheet (pdf document)

Learn more about the Western Screech-owl by reading FWCP's Western Screech-owl Reports

• 2005 Western Screech-Owl Inventory of the Central and West Kootenay Region
• The Conservation of Hardwoods and Associated Wildlife in the FWCP Area in Southeastern British Columbia

Report an Owl Sighting

Use our online form to report a Western Screech-owl sighting in the West Kootenay