Owl Sounds | Differences Between Eastern & Western Screech Owls | Mini Lesson: Camouflage | Printable Activity
I had just pulled into my carport when I noticed a what pinged in my head as a flying loaf of bread. Owls really are a weird shape for being the magnificent flying creatures they really are.
But thankfully, that weird shape helps identify them.
Pro tip: if you ever see a flying loaf of bread, it’s most likely an owl. Or you are standing near a very angry baker. Probably 50/50 there, seeing as it is super difficult to spot these cuties because they camouflage so well!
Seeing this little guy (or gal) was a real treat and inspired me to do a little drop down the rabbit hole of screech owl factoids, which, of course, developed into an edu resource! Did I tidy up all the loose ends there?
Simple way to remember it:
East = adaptable + red morph + suburbs
West = forested + brown/gray + wild habitats
Eastern Screech Owl
Where it lives:
In the eastern part of North America (places like forests, parks, and neighborhoods)
What it looks like:
- Can be gray
- Can be reddish-brown (this is special — western ones don’t have red!)
Sounds like:
A spooky whinny or soft trill — not a “hoot”
Fun facts:
- Likes living near people
- Uses birdhouses and tree holes
- Very good at blending in with trees
western screech owl
Where it lives:
In the western part of North America (forests, mountains, deserts, and canyons)
What it looks like:
• Gray or brown
• No red color
Sounds like:
Fast, bouncing whistles
Fun facts:
• Likes wild forests more than neighborhoods
• Hides really well in tree bark
• Lives far from busy cities
Example Animal: Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio)
Objective:
Students will understand that camouflage helps animals survive by blending into their environment.
Vocabulary:
Camouflage – when an animal’s colors and patterns help it blend in so it is hard to see.
Teacher Script:
“Some animals don’t hide by running. They hide by blending in. This is called camouflage.
The Eastern Screech Owl is very good at camouflage. Its feathers look like tree bark, so when it sits still in a tree, it can almost disappear into the tree.”
Example Animal Focus: Eastern Screech Owl
• Small owl
• Gray or reddish-brown feathers
• Lives in trees
• Looks like tree bark
• Hard to see when sitting still
Uses camouflage to:
– Stay safe from predators
– Hide while resting
– Sneak up on food
Observation Prompt:
Show a picture of an Eastern Screech Owl sitting in a tree and ask:
• Can you find the owl?
• What colors do you see?
• What does the owl look like?
• Why is it hard to see?
Student Discussion Questions:
• Why would an animal want to blend in?
• How does camouflage help animals stay safe?
• What other animals use camouflage?
• What colors help animals hide in forests?
Quick Student Activities:
Art + Science:
Draw an owl on a tree background and color it so it blends in.
Observation Skill:
Circle the owl in a picture of a tree scene.
Thinking Prompt:
“Camouflage helps animals because __________.”
Nature Journal Prompt:
“If I were an animal, I would use camouflage by __________.”
Real-World Connection:
Many animals use camouflage, including frogs, lizards, insects, fish, deer, and butterflies.
Wrap-Up Sentence:
“Camouflage helps animals survive by helping them hide in plain sight.”
Obuby Real Binoculars for Kids Gifts for 3-12 Years
Single pair of binoculars with great reviews
Libima 24 Pcs Binoculars Bulk Educational Compact Binoculars with Neck String
24 pack for the class, great addition to your classroom wishlist!
Sooez Clipboards with Storage, High Capacity Clip Boards 8.5×11 with Storage
These are durable and brightly colored clipboards with a storage bottom – perfect for sketch paper, journal pages, handouts, etc
Bullfrog Mosquito Coast Bug Spray Insect Repellent + Sunscreen SPF 50
Sunscreen and bug protection in one bottle! Less to carry!
A few of my research sketches
What’s the scoop on the printable activity?
If you’ve ever heard mysterious sounds at night and wondered, “What animal is that?” — chances are, it could be an owl!
One of the most fascinating (and misunderstood) nighttime birds is the Eastern Screech Owl, and it just became the star of a brand-new kid-friendly learning resource.
This new Eastern Screech Owl Fun Facts & Nature Journal Activity invites kids to slow down, observe nature, and learn through curiosity, writing, and play.
Why Learn About Nocturnal Animals?
Nocturnal animals spark instant interest with kids. Anything that happens after dark feels a little magical — and owls are the perfect doorway into learning about:
- Animal adaptations
- Habitats and camouflage
- How animals hunt and survive
- What “nocturnal” really means
The Eastern Screech Owl is especially exciting because it lives in forests, parks, and even neighborhoods, making it relatable and easy for kids to connect with.
What’s Included in the Eastern Screech Owl Resource?
This printable activity was designed for K–3 learners and works beautifully in classrooms, homeschool settings, nature clubs, and science centers.
Inside, kids will explore:
✔ Fun facts about the Eastern Screech Owl
✔ A kid-friendly informational reading page
✔ Nature journal writing prompts
✔ A word scramble vocabulary activity
✔ Black-and-white, printer-friendly pages
The mix of science content + journaling helps kids build knowledge while practicing observation and early writing skills.
Learning Through Nature Journaling
Nature journaling encourages kids to:
- Think critically about what they read
- Reflect in their own words
- Make personal connections to the natural world
Prompts like “At night, the screech owl is…” or “What do you think the owl sounds like?” invite imagination while reinforcing real science concepts.
This resource fits easily into:
- Science notebooks
- Literacy centers
- Early finisher work
- Sub plans
- Outdoor or indoor learning days
Perfect for Classrooms, Homeschool & Beyond
Teachers love that this activity is low-prep and flexible, while parents and homeschoolers appreciate that it feels more like discovery than a worksheet.
It also works well for:
- Nature walks and outdoor learning extensions
- Nocturnal animals units
- Bird studies
- Forest animal themes
Pair it with an owl video, sound recording, or evening sky lesson for an even richer experience.
A Gentle Reminder: Screech Owls Don’t Actually Screech!
One of the kids’ favorite facts?
Despite their name, Eastern Screech Owls don’t really screech — they make soft trills and whinnies instead! Fun surprises like this help students remember what they learn and stay engaged.
Explore the Eastern Screech Owl with Your Learners
If you’re looking for an engaging way to blend science, writing, and nature-based learning, this Eastern Screech Owl activity is a wonderful addition to your resource collection.
It’s simple, meaningful, and designed to spark curiosity — the kind of learning that sticks.
You can find the Eastern Screech Owl Fun Facts & Nature Journal Activity HERE
FAQ: Eastern Screech Owl
Eastern Screech Owls are found throughout the eastern United States, east of the Rocky Mountains, and into southern Canada and Mexico. They adapt well to various habitats with trees, including forests, urban parks, and suburban yards.
Their diet is highly varied and includes insects, mice, small birds, amphibians, reptiles, earthworms, crayfish, and more. This broad range makes them one of the most versatile owl species in North America.
Eastern Screech Owls are small (about 6–10 inches long) with a compact body, rounded wings, and short tail. They come in gray or reddish morphs which help them blend into tree bark. Their distinctive sounds—soft trills and whinnies—are often the best clue you’re nearby.
No. Eastern Screech Owls are currently classified as a species of “Least Concern” due to their adaptability and wide range, though local trends can vary.
I’d Love to Hear From You!
If you use this activity, I’d love to know how it goes in your classroom or at home! Feel free to tag me on social media @creativebrainsgrowhere — I love seeing how learners explore science through hands-on creativity!
As an educator, author, and illustrator, your reviews and feedback help me continue creating meaningful, kid-friendly resources that support curious minds.
Thank you, and have a fantastic week!
— Julianne (J)
creativebrainsgrowhere.org
@creativebrainsgrowhere
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