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Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a small, cute owl with big round eyes and soft feathers. They are known for their sweet, whistling calls and love to hide in trees during the day.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a very small, stocky owl with a large, rounded head and no ear tufts. It has mottled brown and white plumage, bright yellow eyes, and a distinctive white 'V' marking on its face.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderStrigiformesFamilyStrigidaeGenusAegolius
Northern Saw-whet Owl
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Northern Saw-whet Owl

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

2

Interesting facts

Scientists often use special mist nets to catch and study these secretive owls, as they are so well hidden!

Their distinct 'too-too-too' call sounds like a saw being sharpened, giving them their unique name!

They are so quiet, they can sometimes be gently handled by humans without waking up!

This tiny owl is a fierce hunter, capable of catching prey much larger than itself, like small rabbits!

Special abilities

Ability

Silent Hunter

Northern Saw-whet Owl can fly silently because of specialized wing feathers that help them surprise prey.

Ability

Super Hearing

Northern Saw-whet Owl has asymmetrical ears that help them pinpoint prey in total darkness using sound.

Ability

Head Spinner

Northern Saw-whet Owl can rotate its head up to 270 degrees because their eyes are fixed in their sockets.

Ability

Camouflage Master

Northern Saw-whet Owl has cryptic brown and white plumage that helps them blend perfectly with tree bark during the day.

Measurements & details

Length
18-21 cm
Wingspan
42-48 cm
Weight
0.065-0.15 kg
Lifespan
2-7 years
Top Speed
35 km/h
Clutch Size
4-7
Incubation
26-29 days
Migration Distance
1500 km

Diet & Feeding

These tiny owls are skilled nocturnal hunters, preying mainly on small mammals and insects.

Primary Foods

  • Deer mice
  • Voles
  • Shrews
  • Large insects
  • Small birds

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Saw-whet Owl

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

If you see an owl, watch quietly from a distance and don't disturb it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Northern Saw-whet Owl?

The easiest way to identify Northern Saw-whet Owl is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Northern Saw-whet Owl?

18-21 cm

What is Northern Saw-whet Owl's wingspan?

42-48 cm

How much does Northern Saw-whet Owl weigh?

0.065-0.15 kg

How long does Northern Saw-whet Owl live?

2-7 years

How fast can Northern Saw-whet Owl move?

35 km/h

What does Northern Saw-whet Owl eat?

These tiny owls are skilled nocturnal hunters, preying mainly on small mammals and insects.

Where is Northern Saw-whet Owl usually found?

Forests

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