A small stocky body, the screech owl boasts a partial facial disk and conspicuous ear tufts. This disk, plus asymmetrical ears provide excellent hearing, while yellow- colored, binocular eyes give superb vision. The existence of more rods than cones in the owl's eyes creates good night vision. Because an owl's eyes cannot move in their sockets, the owl must turn its head and can do so to 270 degrees. The wings are long, the tail short and rounded, tarsi are short and the toes may or may not be feathered.
Plumage ranges from mottled reds, grays to browns in color.
This nocturnal owl frequently sleeps perched at the entrance to its hollow. If startled or threatened, it disappears into the hollow. Possessing a fierce disposition when nesting and protecting young, the screech owl launches diving attacks upon the intruder. If out and visible by day, this owl can be a victim of mobbing by smaller birds. Night vision, excellent hearing and silent flight help this bird of prey hunt.