The Eastern Screech-Owl is a year-round resident of Canada. It occurs mainly in southern Ontario, with small populations along the southern edges of Manitoba and Quebec. The species also occurs in Saskatchewan and the Maritimes, though in very small numbers (Ritchison et al. 2017). Results from the Christmas Bird Count suggest that the national population has increased relative to 1970. This "suburban" species is well-adapted to both urban and rural settings and favours wooded areas where it nests in tree cavities or nest boxes (Ritchison et al. 2017). This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada.
Populations are known to cycle (Ritchison et al. 2017), thus complicating the determination of the species' long-term population status. Cyclical population declines of white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) and presence of Barred Owls are likely linked with Screech-Owl occupancy declines in winter habitats (Leonard et al. 2015). Predation, low food supply, and unusually cold winters can affect the population (Ritchison et al. 2017). Habitat fragmentation is apparently not detrimental to this species (Ritchison et al. 2017). The species readily adapts to nest boxes.
Environment and Climate Change Canada and partners have developed Bird Conservation Region Strategies in each of Canada’s Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs). In these strategies, selected species are identified as priorities for one or more of the following reasons:
Select any of the sub-regions below to view the BCR strategy for additional details.