Named for its high- pitched shrill, the Screech Owl is an endearing raptor with big, round, yellow eyes and tufted ears. A bird's color is independent of its age and sex. However, grey owls usually dwell in the northeast regions of the United States while red owls are more common in the south.
Females are slightly larger than males, with a wing span averaging about six inches.
The most strictly nocturnal of all North American owls, the Screech Owl preys on small rodents and birds, ingesting the whole animal and then regurgitating small pellets of indigestible bone and fur. The owls should find quite a feast in Central Park which is full of small terrestrial mammals. Although the Owl has not lived in Central Park since the 1960's, Screech Owls are thriving in other urban areas, and the Rangers are confident that they will do as well here. The Screech Owl is one of ten species to be re-introduced into New York City parks this year. Rangers have already successfully re-introduced Wood Frogs, Luna Moths, Groundhogs, and Birds Foot Violet, among other species.