Western Screech-Owl

Nest box Plan and Information

Select another species:

Western Screech-Owl
© Dickson Smith
Construction difficulty:
moderate

Download Nest Box Plan

Species in decline

This species is in decline in certain regions. You can put up a nest box to help if you live in the right region and habitat.

  • Declining
  • Not declining
  • Not present
Source: USGS

Nesting Range

Western Screech-Owl Range Source: Birds of the World

Nesting Habitat

  • Desert
  • Forest
  • Open Woodland
  • River

Attach Nest Box To

  • Live tree

Known Nesting Period

Not Nesting
Some Nesting Occurrence
Nesting in Most of Range
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Source: Birds of the World

Nest Box Placement

Nest Height:
10ft
30ft

10–30 feet

Minimum Spacing:

1,000 feet

Facing:

South or East

Nest Box Measurements

Entrance Hole:

3" x 4"

Depth:

17 3/8"

Width & Length:

9 5/8"

11 1/4"

Click here to get this plan

Helpful Tips

  • When possible, make boxes out of reclaimed weathered wood, as weathered boxes seem to be more readily accepted than new boxes. Exterior-grade plywood, pine, and cedar are good choices for wood.
  • Install the box on a tree that is at least as wide as the box. It is helpful if there is a branch nearby for the young to climb out on, but the branch should not obstruct the entrance hole.
  • Add 2–3 inches of wood chips to the box floor.
  • Leave boxes open all winter for roosting.
  • Install new boxes by January.
  • Pairs nesting in suburban habitats are generally tolerant of humans close to their nests, but avoid checking nest boxes during the egg-laying stage.
  • You can install a second nest box within a pair's territory as a backup in case the first nest fails. Second nests are almost always in an alternate site.