Is this a juvenile Eastern Screech Owl? (1 Viewer)

[NatureLvrCanada]

At first I thought maybe this was an eastern screech owl moulting. Now I am not so sure...maybe it's a juvenile? Now I don't know how the juvenile's feathers grow in.

http://www.pbase.com/golfpic/image/115187275/original.jpg

 

[Bird_Bill]

Not sure about juv.Is a screech,(gray morph)close to western.(Not sure on tax. diff. there)
We have darker or brownish morph down here.
They fit in some incredibly small spaces,looks a little "roughed up"...
or maybe it heard its own call.

Edit:according to peterson,juveniles ear tufts can be hard to see.

 

[NatureLvrCanada]

Not sure about juv.Is a screech,(gray morph)close to western.(Not sure on tax. diff. there)
We have darker or brownish morph down here.
They fit in some incredibly small spaces,looks a little "roughed up"...
or maybe it heard its own call.

Edit:according to peterson,juveniles ear tufts can be hard to see.

Thanks Bill. I think one of the differences between the eastern and western screech owl is the bill colour. If I knew when this species molts then that would help.

 

[Bird_Bill]

Dont have the expertise to offer specifics.Generally,all birds hatch with natal down at which point first molt to juvinal plumage takes place.After app.18 weeks,second molt to basic plumage happens.Basic would carry through winter into spring when third molt into alternate or mating plumage.Thats the first of life cycle,seasonal cyclic continuing between "basic...alternate...basic" over course of lifetime.Coverts are generally shed twice annually,flight feathers once a year.