ExploreBird

Northern Spotted Owl

Strix occidentalis caurina

The Northern Spotted Owl is a majestic bird with dark eyes and brown feathers covered in white spots. It hunts silently at night and nests in old-growth forests.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Northern Spotted Owl is a medium-sized owl with dark brown plumage covered in prominent white spots across its head, back, and belly. It has a round head, no ear tufts, and large, dark eyes, distinguishing it from similar streaky owls.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderStrigiformesFamilyStrigidaeGenusStrix

Northern Spotted Owl

Interesting facts

An owl can swivel its head almost all the way around without moving its body!

Their chicks are called 'owlets' and are born covered in fluffy white down.

They often use old hawk nests or broken-off tree tops for their nurseries.

This owl needs ancient forests with giant trees to make its home!

Special abilities

Northern Spotted Owls have soft, fringed feathers that help them fly silently, allowing them to ambush prey undetected.

Northern Spotted Owls possess huge, fixed eyes packed with light-sensing cells that help them see tiny prey in the darkest forests.

Northern Spotted Owls have offset ear openings that help them pinpoint the exact location of prey just by sound.

Measurements & details

Length: 40-48 cm
Wingspan: 100-114 cm
Weight: 0.5-0.7 kg
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Top Speed: 40 km/h
Clutch Size: 1-4
Incubation: 28-32 days

Diet & Feeding

This nocturnal hunter mostly eats small mammals, catching them with stealthy flight.

Primary Foods

Glaucomys sabrinus (Northern flying squirrel)
Peromyscus maniculatus (Deer mouse)
Neotoma cinerea (Bushy-tailed woodrat)
Microtus species (Voles)

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

hunts

Northern Flying Squirrel

Glaucomys sabrinus

Primary prey, a key part of their forest diet.

hunts

Deer Mouse

Peromyscus maniculatus

Frequent prey item in their forest foraging grounds.

eaten by

Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus

A larger owl that sometimes preys on Northern Spotted Owls.

eaten by

Barred Owl

Strix varia

An invasive competitor that can also prey on Spotted Owls.

Traits

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Solitary

Meet animals that enjoy their independence! These creatures prefer to live by themselves, finding food and shelter on their own.

Thermoregulating

Learn about incredible animals that can keep their body temperature just right, no matter how hot or cold it gets outside! They have special ways to stay warm or cool.

Ancient Lineage

These fascinating organisms carry echoes of the deep past, with ancestors that have roamed the Earth for an incredible span of time. They are living links to ancient worlds!

Forest

These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.

Temperate Rainforest

Discover cool, misty forests near coasts, where ancient trees stand tall and plenty of rain nourishes a vibrant green world.

Carnivorous

Discover fierce hunters and clever predators that get all their energy from eating other animals. They play a vital role in keeping nature's balance.

Keystone Species

Discover the hidden heroes of nature! These special species play an incredibly important role in their habitat, holding the entire ecosystem together like a crucial piece of a puzzle.