Western Screech-Owls are small, elusive owls found throughout Oregon in various wooded habitats, from riparian areas to suburban groves. They are masters of camouflage, often blending seamlessly with tree bark, making them more often heard than seen. Distinguishing males from females in this species can be quite challenging due to their similar appearance, but there are some general patterns to look for.

General Appearance (Male and Female):
Size & Shape: Western Screech-Owls are small, stocky owls, roughly the size of a robin, with a somewhat square head and small, widely spaced "ear tufts" (which are actually feather tufts, not ears). Their tails are short.
Plumage: They are expertly camouflaged, with intricate patterns of dark streaks and mottling that resemble tree bark. Their base color can vary geographically and individually, ranging from grayish to brownish to reddish-brown (rufous morphs are less common in the western part of their range, including much of Oregon, but can occur).
Facial Disc: They have a pale facial disc outlined with dark arcs.
Eyes: Their eyes are bright yellow.
Feathered Toes: Like many owls, their legs and toes are feathered.

Distinguishing Male and Female Western Screech-Owls in Oregon:
The sexual dimorphism in Western Screech-Owls is subtle, making visual sexing difficult without direct comparison.

1. Size:
Females are generally larger and heavier than males. This is typical for many raptors, including owls.
While specific measurements can overlap, the average female will be slightly larger. For example, females might weigh around 5.5 oz (157 g) and be 8.3-9.8 inches (21-25 cm) long, while males might weigh around 4.6 oz (131 g) and be 7.5-9.1 inches (19-23 cm) long.
This difference is usually most noticeable when a mated pair is observed together, with the female appearing slightly bulkier.

2. Plumage Coloration and Pattern (subtle):
Some sources suggest that males may be slightly lighter in overall coloration than females. This might be due to more time spent exposed to the elements during certain behaviors.
Conversely, some reports indicate that females may appear slightly darker or have more distinct markings due to their larger size and potentially bolder patterning.
However, these plumage differences are highly variable and generally not reliable for definitive sexing in the field. The intricate camouflage makes it hard to discern subtle color variations. Both sexes exhibit the same range of color morphs (gray, brown, rufous).

3. Vocalizations (most reliable for an experienced observer):
While not a visual cue, vocalizations can be a key indicator, especially during the breeding season (late winter/early spring).
The male's primary territorial and courtship song is the distinctive "bouncing ball" call – a series of whistled hoots that speed up toward the end ("hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-oo-oo").
When a pair sings in duet, the **female's notes are typically higher-pitched** than the male's, despite her larger size.
Females may also make a "whinny" call in response to the male's song or to solicit feeding.