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Platte River Status: An uncommon and local nesting species, and rare winter resident. Tout (1947) stated that the eastern screech-owl was an uncommon premanent resident in Lincoln County, and Rosche (1979) gave this species similar status in the lower North Platte River Valley. Short (1961) considered eastern screech-owl common at Gothenburg, Dawson County in 1957.

Breeding Range: Our records suggest that eastern screech-owl is restricted almost exclusively to the Platte River Valley physiographic region.

Breeding Population: Because of its secretive habits and nocturnal activity patterns, we did not record this species on our random census plots in 1979-1980.

Habitat: Within our study area, eastern screech-owl appears to be restricted to extensive tracts of mature lowland forest adjacent to the river channel, and to mature tree groves in residential areas. Rising (1974) recorded this owl only in riparian woodlands in western Kansas. Johnsgard (1980) stated that eastern screech-owl occurred in a variety of habitats in Nebraska including farmyards, cities, orchards, woodlands, and forest. Johnsgard suggested that this owl is probably more common in cities than in heavy woodlands where it is preyed on by larger owls.

Effect of Habitat Alteration: Eastern screech-owl has benefited positively from encroachment of wooded vegetation within the river channel, from shelterbelt plantings in the uplands, and from the protected forests within residential areas.

Nesting Data: We have found 2 nests in Hall County, including 1 in a natural cavity in Grand Island that contained 5 nearly grown young on 22 May 1980. Collister (1950) observed a pair with 2 young near Paxton, Keith County in 1949. Egg dates in Kansas extend from 20 March to 10 May (Johnsgard 1979).