Species Profile
Northern Hawk-owl
Surnia ulula
Northern Hawk Owl
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Hawk Owl
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Appearance
The Northern Hawk-owl is a medium-sized owl with a long tail and pointed wings, giving it a hawk-like silhouette.
Its upperparts are dark brown with white spotting, while the underparts are white with dense brown barring. The facial disc is pale with a black border. The bill is hooked and yellow, and the feet are feathered with black talons.
Both sexes look similar, although females are noticeably larger, with no seasonal plumage changes. Juveniles resemble adults but have a less distinct facial pattern and softer, fluffier plumage.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Grey
- Beak
- Yellow
- Legs
- Black
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Northern Hawk-owls inhabit boreal forests and taiga regions across North America and Eurasia. They prefer open coniferous or mixed woodlands with clearings and forest edges for hunting.
Perches for hunting and open meadows for catching prey are both important. Burned forest environments are also popular, with deadwood snags and an increased number of abandoned woodpecker cavities presenting useful nesting possibilities.
In North America, they are found mainly in Alaska and Canada. During irruption years, they may venture further south into the northern United States, attracting birdwatchers with their unusual daytime activity.
Distribution
Diet
The Northern Hawk-owl primarily hunts small mammals, especially voles and lemmings. Squirrels, rats, mice and weasels are also taken.
It also catches small birds, particularly during winter when rodents are scarce. Some prey items taken in the winter include grouse, ptarmigans, snowshoe hares, robins, jays, starlings and finches.
This owl employs a sit-and-wait strategy, diving from its perch to capture prey on the ground or in flight.
Behaviour
Unlike most owls, the Northern Hawk-owl is diurnal, often active during daylight hours. It perches conspicuously on treetops, scanning for prey with keen eyesight. During courtship, males perform aerial displays, diving dramatically from high perches.
Calls & Sounds
The Northern Hawk-owl's primary call is a rapid series of short, sharp whistles, often described as 'ki-ki-ki-ki'.
Early in the breeding season, the advertising call of males is heard, with a rolling ‘tu-wita-wit, tiwita-tu-wita, wita’ whistle. When alarmed, they emit a loud, raspy 'skreeeeew' similar to a hawk's scream.
Away from nest sites, Northern Hawk-owls are usually silent.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Northern Hawk-owls typically begins in April or May. Males attract females with vocalizations and flight displays, often bringing food gifts during courtship.
These owls nest in tree cavities, often using old woodpecker holes or broken tree tops. The female lays 3-13 white eggs, with clutch size varying based on prey abundance.
Incubation lasts about 25-30 days, and it is primarily done by the female while the male provides food. Nestlings fledge after 25-35 days but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks.
Conservation
While the Northern Hawk-owl is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and climate change.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving boreal forest habitats and monitoring population trends across its range.
Elevation
Sea level to 2,650 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include Great Horned Owls, Goshawks, and Martens. Humans also pose a threat through habitat destruction and occasional collisions with vehicles.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them perched on exposed treetops in open boreal forests
- Listen for their shrill, repeated 'ki-ki-ki' calls
- Observe during daylight hours, unlike most owl species
- In North America, watch for irruptions in winter when they may move south
Did You Know?
- Northern Hawk-owls can detect prey under snow using their exceptional hearing.
- They have asymmetrical ear openings, allowing for precise sound localization.
- Unlike most owls, they lack silent flight, producing an audible 'swoosh' when flying.
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