28. Western Screech-Owl

Nests - Courtship begins in January and February throughout range, with male calling near the nest. The intensity and frequency of his calls increase, culminating in physical courtship and mating in March and April. Throughout its range, nests in tree cavities, most commonly those excavated by Northern Flickers. Also uses natural tree cavities, such as those formed where branches have broken off a trunk, as well as nest boxes. Adds no material to nest cavity; eggs laid on whatever substrate is present. 

Eggs - Oval to broadly elliptical oval, color white. Clutch size typically 3–5 eggs, but range from 2–7.

Incubation - Incubation period is 33–34 days. Male feeds female throughout egg-laying, incubation, and brooding periods. 

Fledging - Young are altricial. After young are about 3 wk old, female will join male in hunting and will also take longer breaks from brooding at this time. At 7–10 days before actually leaving the nest, the young climb to cavity entrance to begin peeking out during day and throughout evening hours. An adult is often close at this time, as the nestlings are vulnerable. Once out of the cavity, young remain out, but routinely stay close to nest for 2–4 nights while their flying abilities improve. Initially they can only flutter awkwardly from branch to branch. If dislodged from their perch, fledglings reach up into a low bush and pull themselves up onto branches with a foot-over-foot motion accompanied by vigorous wing-flapping. They can then jump and hop to higher, more secure perches.