Saw-Whet Owl
Last Review/Updated: May 31, 2002
Aegolius acadicus
The saw-whet owl is a small owl that can be confused with the boreal owl. It is distinguished by its smaller size (20 cm, 8 in. long), darker plumage and streaked forehead. The reddish brown plumage on the upper parts is streaked with white around the face, and is splotched with white on the neck. The tail is banded with three bars. The breast and abdomen are white with heavy brown streaks.
The saw-whet inhabits woods of the parkland, foothill and montane zones. The total range extends south from Alaska to all but the southeastern United States. Southward movement in winter is casual.
During the breeding season, old woodpecker holes are selected for nesting. Five to 6 eggs are an average clutch size.
Because this owl is completely nocturnal and hunts and roosts close to the ground, it is very seldom seen. It preys upon small rodents found on the forest floor.
