Nests are placed on the ground under plant cover, or occasionally low in bushes.
Barn Owl: Tyto alba pratincola Bonaparte.—This resident has a low density throughout Kansas in open woodland and near agricultural enterprises of man.
Breeding schedule.—The few records available indicate egg-laying occurs at least from April to July; elsewhere the species is known to have a more protracted breeding schedule.
Number of eggs.—Clutch-size is about 5 eggs (4.7, 2-6; 4).
Nests are informal aggregations of sticks and litter placed in recesses in stumps, hollow trees, rocky and earthen banks, and dwellings and outbuildings of man.
Screech Owl: Otus asio (Linnaeus).—This is a common resident in woodland habitats throughout Kansas. O. a. aikeni (Brewster) occurs west of Rawlins, Gove, and Comanche counties, and O. a. naevius (Gmelin) occurs in the remainder of the State except for the eastern south-central sector, occupied by O. a. hasbroucki Ridgway.
Breeding schedule.—Fifteen records of egg-laying span the period March 20 to May 10; there is a strong mode at April 5.
Number of eggs.—Clutch-size is 4 eggs (4.0, 3-6; 12).
Nests are placed in holes and recesses in trees, three to 20 feet high.
Great Horned Owl: Bubo virginianus (Gmelin).—This is a common resident throughout Kansas, especially near woodlands and cliffsides. B. v. virginianus (Gmelin) occurs east of a line through Rawlins and Meade counties and B. v. occidentalis Stone occurs to the west.