The Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio), or eastern screech-owl, is a small owl that is relatively common in Eastern North America, from Mexico to Canada. This species is native to most wooded environments of its distribution, and more so than any other owl in its range, has adapted well to man-made development, although it frequently avoids detection due to its strictly nocturnal habits.
Two color variations are known, being the red and gray morphs, although a rarer "brown morph" has been recorded exclusively in the Southeastern United States.