NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL
Aegolius acadicus
Notable Physical Characteristics - Size - Habitat - Nesting - Hunting
Hunting - Call - Additional Information - Resources
Notable Physical Characteristics
Pale facial disk
Brown streaking on underbelly
White stripes or braces on back
Short legs
Short Tail
Rounded wings
Y-shaped white marking above and between eyes
Small owl
Length: 8”
Wingspan: 17”
Weight: 2.8 oz.
(Female slightly larger than male)
Range spread throughout North America and Mexico
Wide range of habitats, in altitudes and vegetation type
Greatest population density in coniferous forests
Nests in very dense vegetation or tree cavities
Nests in existing woodpecker nest cavities
Clutch size is usually about 5-6 eggs
Incubation period: 27-29 days
Nocturnal
Flight low and direct
Quick wingbeats
Roost during the day in thick vegetation
Essentially solitary
Hunts almost entirely at night
Perches on low branches or shrubs near forest openings
Prey located with excellent hearing
Prey captured with talons and disassembled before eaten
Predominately preys upon small mammals: Woodland Mice, Voles
Whistled toots- poo poo poo
World population approximately 100,000-300,000
Leading causes of death include starvation and automobiles on highways