Eastern Screech Owl (Otus asio) is often identified by their prominent ear tufts. The screech owl has two color phases, red and gray. Their vocalization is an eerie whinny descending in pitch; they also produce soft purrs and trills. The same pair of screech owls may occupy the same nest site for 7 years or more! Screech owls feed on a varied diet of small rodents, birds, insects, and reptiles. Screech owls are avid nest defenders and are bold enough to swipe at humans if they are too close.