Eastern Screech-Owl

Nest box Plan and Information

Select another species:

Eastern Screech-Owl
© Kurt Hasselman
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

Eastern Screech-Owl Range Source: Birds of the World

Nesting Habitat

  • Forest
  • Open Woodland
  • Town

Attach Nest Box To

  • Live tree
  • Pole

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:

100 feet

Facing:

Any

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

  • Place the box under a tree limb at the woodland edge, with adjacent fields or wetlands. 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" of wood shavings to the box.
  • To prevent use by squirrels, place the box on a pole with a predator guard, located far enough away from nearby trees that squirrels cannot jump to it.
  • 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.
  • Avoid disturbing nesting females during and shortly after egg-laying, as they may abandon the nest if disturbed early in the nesting cycle. It is best to wait at least one week, if not two, after finding a nest to check the contents.