Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

Owls

Length: 8 in. (20 cm )

A resident of dense evergreen or mixed evergreen-deciduous forests, usually at higher elevations in the west, this small owl is rarely seen even though it is often not uncommon. \r\nThey are most easily noticed during the spring breeding season when they call regularly at night. They eat mostly small mice and during the summer also large insects. The nest cavity is in abandoned woodpecker holes or natural cavities of trunks high above the ground. The cavity is also used throughout the year for roosting during the day time. Occasionally individuals will roost motionlessly on low open branches during the day where they can be approached closely.

The four-digit banding code is NSWO.

Female | Richard Ditch

Male | Jim Burns

Fir forest

Oak-pine woodland

Download Sound

Bird Sound Type: Hooting
Sex of Bird: Male

Sonogram Large:

Sonogram Zoom:

You may need to edit author's name to meet the style formats, which are in most cases "Last name, First name."

https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/northern-saw-whet-owl

Bibliographic details:

Article: Northern Saw-whet Owl
Author(s): Dr. Biology
Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
Date published: 13 Jul, 2017
Date accessed:
Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/northern-saw-whet-owl

APA Style

Dr. Biology. (Thu, 07/13/2017 - 15:37). Northern Saw-whet Owl. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/northern-saw-whet-owl

American Psychological Association. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/

Chicago Manual of Style

Dr. Biology. "Northern Saw-whet Owl". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/northern-saw-whet-owl

For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/717/04/

MLA 2017 Style

Dr. Biology. "Northern Saw-whet Owl". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/northern-saw-whet-owl

Modern Language Association, 7th Ed. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/

Are coral reefs dying?

Answer >>

Be Part of
Ask A Biologist

By volunteering, or simply sending us feedback on the site. Scientists, teachers, writers, illustrators, and translators are all important to the program. If you are interested in helping with the website we have a Volunteers page to get the process started.

Donate icon Contribute