ExploreBirds

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
feathered trait badgespotted trait badgesolitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badge
Northern Saw-whet Owl

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

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 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

How does Northern Saw-whet Owl hunt?

Ambush

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Birds