Species Profile
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Aegolius acadicus
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Saw-whet Owl, Acadian Owl
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Appearance
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a small, compact owl with a large, rounded head and no ear tufts. Its upperparts are brown with white spots, while the underparts are primarily white with brown streaks. The facial disc is pale with a distinctive Y-shaped white marking between the large yellow eyes.
Both sexes are similar in appearance, though females are generally much larger. Juveniles have a chocolate-brown plumage with a distinctive white V on the face, which changes to adult coloration after their first year.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Buff
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Pink
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 Saw-whet Owls inhabit dense coniferous and mixed forests across North America, from southern Alaska to southern Canada and throughout much of the northern United States. They prefer mature forests with a dense understory, often near water bodies.
During winter, some populations migrate southward, while others remain year-round residents. In the United States, they can be found in suitable habitats across the northern states and at higher elevations in the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains.
The states with the highest recorded concentrations include Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Distribution
Diet
Northern Saw-whet Owls primarily feed on small mammals, with deer and white-footed mice and voles forming the bulk of their diet. They also consume small birds, insects and occasionally bats.
Other prey items include large beetles and grasshoppers, squirrels, pocket gophers, chipmunks, and house and harvest mice.
These owls hunt by sitting motionless on low perches and using their excellent hearing to locate prey in the dark.
Behaviour
Northern Saw-whet Owls are nocturnal hunters, perching motionless on low branches before swooping down on prey. They are solitary outside the breeding season but may form loose winter roosts in dense coniferous trees.
These owls are known for their tameness around humans, often allowing close approach when discovered in daylight roosts.
Calls & Sounds
The most common call of the Northern Saw-whet Owl is a repetitive, monotonous 'too-too-too' whistle, given at a rate of about two notes per second. This call can continue for hours and is primarily used by males during breeding.
They also produce various other sounds, including a raspy, descending 'skiew' call when alarmed. Bill snapping is also heard as an alarm call when threatened.
Nesting & Breeding
Northern Saw-whet Owls typically breed between March and July. Males attract females with a repetitive tooting call and may offer food as part of courtship. Pairs are monogamous for the breeding season.
These owls nest in tree cavities, often those excavated by woodpeckers or in artificial nest boxes. Females lay 4-7 smooth white eggs, incubated solely by the female for about 28 days.
The male provides food for the female and nestlings. Young owls fledge at about 4-5 weeks old but continue to be fed by the parents for several weeks after leaving the nest. Typically, one brood is raised yearly, but if an initial clutch fails, they may attempt a replacement brood.
Conservation
While the Northern Saw-whet Owl is currently listed as Least Concern, habitat loss due to deforestation and urban expansion poses a threat.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining mature forest habitats and providing artificial nest boxes to support breeding populations in areas where natural cavities are scarce.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their distinctive 'too-too-too' call at night, especially during spring
- Search dense coniferous forests, particularly near water sources
- Look for small, round whitewash marks on tree trunks as signs of roosting sites
- Use playback calls cautiously to attract them, but limit use to avoid disturbance
- In the US and Canada, join organized owl banding programs for close-up views
Did You Know?
- Northern Saw-whet Owls can turn their heads 270 degrees in either direction.
- They are one of the most common owls in North America, yet rarely seen due to their nocturnal habits.
- Their name comes from their call, which early settlers thought resembled the sound of sharpening a saw on a whetstone.
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