Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

Northern Saw-whet Owls are a very small owl of conifer forests.  They are named for their loud, persistent night-time song during breeding season, which may carry on for hours at a time.  They are often extremely tame, allowing for very close approaches.  This behavior can also make them somewhat difficult to locate, as they likely won't move or flush upon approach.

Habitat:  Prefers coniferous forest during summer breeding season.  May winter in any forested habitat, although more commonly in conifer groves.

Diet: Mostly small mammals, occasionally small birds and large insects.

Behavior: Almost completely nocturnal, hunting only at night. Capable of finding prey both by sight and by sound, they primarily observe from a perch, swooping down to capture prey as its located.

Nesting: May and June

Breeding Map: Breeding bird survey map

Song: Long series of single toots

Migration: Semi-permanent resident in higher elevations of North America.  Some move south and to lower elevations in winter.

Similar Species: Boreal Owl, Eastern Screech Owl

Status: Widespread and fairly common, although some local declines have been noted, primarily due to habitat loss.

Birdhouses: Will use appropriately sized nest boxes.

South Dakota "Hotspot": Birders in the Pierre area have found significant numbers of Northern Saw-whet Owls overwintering in cedar/juniper trees near the Missouri River and Lake Oahe near Pierre.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Northern Saw-Whet Owl

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Northern Saw-whet Owl"

3) eNature.com -- Northern Saw-whet Owl

Photo Information: January 9th, 2005 - Near Pierre, South Dakota - Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Northern Saw-whet Owl photos.