Screech owls lay their eggs in a hollow tree or cavity, which the female incubates for 24 to 26 days.
Nestlings
The owlets hatch altricial, meaning they are helpless and rely entirely on their parents for food and care. They are covered in white down and their eyes are closed. The male owl will bring food to the female who feeds the nestlings regurgitated food. The female will stay with nestlings constantly, brooding and protecting them.
Fledglings
After about 4 weeks, the owlets will start to grow their feathers and their eyes will open. They will start to venture out of the nest but will continue to be fed by their parents. At around 6 weeks old, the owlets will be able to fly and will start to hunt on their own.
Learning to hunt
Young owls learn to hunt by observing their parents. The male owl will bring live prey to the nest and allow the owlets to practice catching and killing it. The owlets will also play-fight with each other, which helps them to develop their hunting skills.
Independence
By the time they are 10 to 12 weeks old, the young owls will be able fend for themselves. They will leave the nest and establish their own territories.