Screech owls do eat squirrels. I remember one time when I was out bird-watching in the woods and I came across a screech owl perched on a branch. It was a small owl, only about 8 inches tall, but it had a fierce look in its eyes.
As I watched, the owl suddenly flew down to the ground and pounced on something. Curious, I crept closer to get a better look. To my surprise, I saw that the owl had caught a squirrel! It was gripping the squirrel tightly with its sharp talons, and I could see the squirrel struggling to escape.
I had always thought of owls as primarily eating mice and rats, but this encounter showed me that they are capable of hunting and capturing larger prey like squirrels as well. It was fascinating to watch the owl use its beak to tear into the squirrel’s flesh and devour it.
After finishing its meal, the owl flew back up to its perch and settled down for a rest. It seemed satisfied and content, having successfully caught and eaten a squirrel. It made me realize just how adaptable and skilled these birds are as hunters.
In addition to squirrels, screech owls have a varied diet that includes insects, invertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles. They will eat moths, katydids, crayfish, earthworms, tadpoles, frogs, and lizards. They are also known to prey on small mammals such as rats, mice, moles, and rabbits.
Screech owls have a diverse diet and are capable of hunting and consuming a wide range of prey, including squirrels. It was truly a remarkable experience to witness firsthand the hunting prowess of these incredible birds.