  
Eastern Screech Owls are found
east of the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic. The species ranges
from the Canadian boreal forests south to Mexico. They live in
all forest types and prefer woodlands that are interspersed with
the open clearings, meadows, and fields necessary for hunting.
They also inhabit wetlands, orchards, suburban parks and gardens
and towns. Western Screech Owls range all along the western coast
of the continent from Canada south to the Baja peninsula and into
Mexico, and they are found as far east as the western border of
Texas. They usually live at lower elevations and prefer open oak
and riparian woodlands and seasonally wet areas. They also
inhabit streamside groves, deserts, suburban parks, and gardens.
Nests are typically found in natural cavities, abandoned
woodpecker holes, and hollow stumps and limbs. The western
species also nests in saguaro cactus cavities and abandoned
magpie nests. Both species use nest boxes, and field studies show
that boxes are selected as often as natural cavities for nest
sites.
The Barn Owl is a year-round resident throughout much of the
United States. Barn Owls prefer open to semi-open habitats such
as prairie, farmland, savannah, marshland, and desert, but prefer
the vicinity of farms and towns. The Barn Owl will breed in all
months except January in North America. Barn Owl houses should be
mounted 10 feet or higher and away from human and ground predator
reach.
Northern Saw-whet Owls inhabit coniferous and deciduous forests,
with thickets of second-growth or shrubs. They occur mainly in
forests with deciduous trees, where woodpeckers create cavities
for nest sites. Northern Saw-whet Owls nest in old woodpecker
cavities, (primarily those made by Northern Flickers or Hairy
Woodpeckers) or in natural cavities. They will also take to nest
boxes quite readily. Nest trees are often dead and nest heights
average 13 to 20 feet above ground. Nesting occurs between March
and July.
The Barred Owl is widespread in North America occurring across
most of the eastern half of the continent from Florida northward
to southern Canada. Barred Owls prefer deep moist forests, wooded
swamps, and woodlands near waterways. Courtship activities begin
in February with breeding occurring between March and August.
Barred Owls nest in cavities and will also use abandoned
Red-shouldered Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Squirrel or Crow nests. They
will also take to nest boxes quite readily.
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