General

Northern Saw-whet Owl: Small, large headed owl with brown upperparts and white underparts with thick brown stripes. Head has gray facial disk with white "Y” between eyes; lacks ear tufts. Bill is dark. Wings are brown with white spots. Sexes are similar. Juvenile is dark brown overall with buff-orange breast and belly, and white "Y” on face.

Range and Habitat

Northern Saw-whet Owl: Found from the southern coast of Alaska and across southern Canada to northern and central Mexico, but is absent from the southern U.S.; migrate to southern parts of range during winter, especially when food is scarce. Preferred habitats include dense coniferous or mixed hardwood forests.

Breeding and Nesting

Northern Saw-whet Owl: Four to seven white eggs are laid in a natural cavity or abandoned woodpecker hole. Incubation ranges from 26 to 28 days and is carried out by the female; male brings her food while incubating.

Foraging and Feeding

Northern Saw-whet Owl: Diet consists of insects, small rodents, moles, shrews, bats, birds, and frogs; can take prey near its own size; forages from low perches or by soaring along the edges of open parks and meadows.

Vocalization

Northern Saw-whet Owl: Only vocalizes during the breeding season. Primary courtship call is a monotonous, whistled "hoop", emitted at about 1½ notes per second, sometimes lasting for several hours. Territorial call is a series of short, clear notes. Common name comes from a "skiew" call made when alarmed, resembling the whetting of a saw. When approaching the nest with food, the male gives a rapid burst of toots, and the female responds with a soft "swEE."

Similar Species

Northern Saw-whet Owl: Boreal Owl is slightly larger, has yellow or white bill, rectangular head, white facial disk, and is darker brown overall.