FRANKIE
Frankie was in captivity because she was found with a head injury, most likely due to a collision with a vehicle. Her injury required several stitches around her head, which resulted in her full name: Frankenstein.
She came to the American Eagle Foundation in 1997. We do not know her exact age because she was already full-grown when she arrived.
Frankie used to educate the public during educational shows at schools, outside programs, and of course at the Wings of America Bird Show at Dollywood, where she was always a show favorite! Permanently retired, Frankie was able to live a pampered life inside the AEF office building. Sadly, this little screech owl passed away on January 16, 2016. She will be greatly missed by her caregivers!
ABOUT EASTERN SCREECH OWLS
Eastern Screech Owls have been misnamed, because they don’t really screech at all. They have more of a wavering whistle. They come in a variety of color phases, from a reddish-brown to a grayish color.
In the wild, screech owls can live to be 10 years of age and up to twice that in captivity! The ear tufts on top of their heads have nothing to do with hearing, rather, they are used for camouflage and mating purposes.