Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus)

 

   

• HABITAT - Northern Saw-whet Owls are found in southern Canada, throughout the United States and into Mexico. Some are year-round residents and others are long-distance migrants which usually spend the winter in the States. This species prefers to reside in mature forests, nesting in deciduous trees and roosting in conifer trees for protection. They have been found nesting in other habitats including coniferous swamps, disturbed areas and riverside forests.
• DIET - Saw-whet Owls eat mostly small mammals, mostly mice, shrews, voles, bats, chipmunks, and squirrels. During migration they supplement their diet with small birds. They may eat larger insects and other invertebrates. They generally hunt at night from a low perch along the forest edge.
• FACTS - Northern Saw-whet Owls are highly nocturnal and seldom seen.