The Eastern Screech-Owl is among the smallest of the birds of prey.
Females are generally larger than males.
Although there is some overlap, females weigh on average between 185 and 200 grams, while average male weight varies between 157 and 175 grams. This is the only species of owl in North America that occurs in two very different color phases or morphs. They are distinguished from other owls by the combination of small size, the tufts of feathers that stick up like ears, and the yellowish eyes, bill, and talons. Often, during outdoor night scenes in movies, the bird noises on the sound track will be recorded Screech-Owl voices. The Eastern Screech-Owl inhabits forests and wooded river valleys east of the Rocky Mountains, from parts of southern Canada south into eastern Mexico.