Northern Hawk Owl
ExploreBirds
Northern Hawk Owl
surnia ulula
The Northern Hawk Owl is a fascinating bird that looks a bit like a cat! With its bright yellow eyes and unique markings, it is sure to catch your attention as it hunts during the day.
Habitat: Northern forests, especially in areas with open spaces and plenty of trees.
Appearance
The Northern Hawk Owl has a distinct hawk-like appearance with a long tail and no ear tufts. Its plumage is mottled brown and white with fine barring on its belly, and it has piercing yellow eyes within a prominent facial disc.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderStrigiformesFamilyStrigidaeGenusSurnia
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Northern Hawk Owls don't build nests; they use old woodpecker holes or broken tree snags!
Their long tail and flight pattern make them look like a hawk, not a typical owl!
Their rapid 'klee-klee-klee' call sounds very different from most owls' hoots!
These tough owls bravely stay in freezing Arctic habitats all winter long!
Special abilities
Ability
Sunlight Hunter
Northern Hawk Owls can hunt effectively during the day, an unusual trait for owls, because their keen eyesight is adapted to bright light.
Ability
Whisper Wings
Northern Hawk Owls have special feather adaptations that allow them to fly almost silently, helping them ambush unsuspecting prey.
Ability
Sub-snow Scout
Northern Hawk Owls can locate hidden prey by using their incredibly sensitive hearing to detect movements under thick layers of snow.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 35-45 cm
- Wingspan
- 70-80 cm
- Weight
- 0.25-0.4 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years
- Top Speed
- 65 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3-13
- Incubation
- 25-30 days
Diet & Feeding
These fierce hunters primarily eat small mammals and birds, showing no mercy for their prey.
Primary Foods
- Voles
- Shrews
- Mice
- Lemmings
- Finches
- Juncos
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
eaten by
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilis
Can be prey for larger raptors.
hunts
Meadow Vole
Microtus pennsylvanicus
A primary food source in many habitats.
hunts
Masked Shrew
Sorex cinereus
Preys on this small, fast mammal.
hunts
American Goldfinch
Spinus tristis
Opportunistically preys on small songbirds.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Hawk OwlNorthern OwlSurnia Owl
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Northern Hawk Owl?
35-45 cm
What is Northern Hawk Owl's wingspan?
70-80 cm
How much does Northern Hawk Owl weigh?
0.25-0.4 kg
How long does Northern Hawk Owl live?
5-10 years
How fast can Northern Hawk Owl move?
65 km/h
What does Northern Hawk Owl eat?
These fierce hunters primarily eat small mammals and birds, showing no mercy for their prey.
Where is Northern Hawk Owl usually found?
Northern forests, especially in areas with open spaces and plenty of trees.
How does Northern Hawk Owl hunt?
Pursuit
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