Why The Nest Box is So Clean!

Empty Screech Owl  Nest Box May 12th, 2012

When I cleaned out the nest box last spring 2011 after last years brood left the nest I was surprised at how clean and fresh it was. A few palmetto bug wings and that was about it. The nest box was just as clean after the owlets fledged on May 11th this year. The nest box contained a few small insect parts and the wood chips were relatively fresh. Considering that the mother and 3 owlets spent about 60 days in the nest box eating dozens of lizards and frogs a few snakes and mice and probably several hundred large insects that's a pretty amazing feat. I learned that an Owls digestive system is unique  - rather than spoil the area in and around their nest with excrement and the remains of their victims their digestive system absorbs nutrients and water  from what they eat and they regurgitate the undigested parts as "pellets" away from the nest area. If you really want all the details check out the link.

Father Screech Owl "throwing up"Expelling a pellet

I happened to catch the male owl expelling a pellet on the evening of April 30th as he sat in an oak tree near the nest. With one way in and one way out of their digestive system - they obviously have to clear out the previous nights undigested food before they feed again. As soon as its dark he will begin taking food to the nest to feed mom and the three owlets. Mrs. Owl collects all the regurgitated material from the baby owls as well as her own and expels it in a nearby tree it first thing when she leaves the next at night. This results in a clean nest that does not attract pests and predators. Screech Owls obviously produce small pellets compared to other owls and they can be found around the yard occasionally.  Being omnivorous their pellets contain a quite a selection, but it is clear the diet consists primarily of palmetto bugs, beetles and  small lizards - some hair/feathers and pieces of wood chips are typically found as well.