Species Profile
Spotted Owl
Strix occidentalis
Spotted Owl
Quick Facts
Conservation
NTNear ThreatenedAlso known as: California Spotted Owl, Mexican Spotted Owl, Northern Spotted Owl
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Appearance
The Spotted Owl is a medium-sized owl with dark and light brown plumage covered in white spots. Its round head lacks ear tufts, and it has large, dark eyes surrounded by prominent facial disks. Their eyes are dark brown, and their bill is yellow.
Subspecies found to the north are darker brown than those in southern regions, which are a much lighter shade.
Both males and females share similar coloration, with females slightly larger. Juveniles resemble adults but may have a more reddish-brown tint and less distinct spotting, as well as more of a 'fluffy' appearance.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Buff
- Beak
- Yellow
- Legs
- Brown
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
Spotted Owls inhabit old-growth and mature forests across western North America, from British Columbia to Mexico. They prefer dense, multi-layered canopies with large trees and numerous snags.
In the United States, they are found in the Pacific Northwest, California, and parts of the Southwest. Their range extends into Canada's southern British Columbia and south into Mexico's Sierra Madre Occidental.
Distribution
Diet
Spotted Owls primarily feed on small mammals, particularly flying squirrels and dusky-footed woodrats. They also consume other rodents, rabbits,, voles, moles, bats, and occasionally small birds.
These owls hunt silently, using their acute hearing and sight to locate prey in the dark forest understory. Prey is spotted from perches, and spotted owls swoop silently in pursuit, grabbing with their sharp talons and snapping the animal’s neck with their powerful bills.
Behaviour
Spotted Owls are primarily nocturnal, roosting in dense forest canopies during the day. They hunt by perching on branches and swooping down on prey.
These owls are generally solitary but form strong, long-term pair bonds during the breeding season.
Calls & Sounds
The Spotted Owl's most recognizable call is a series of four hoots, often described as "hoo-hoo-hoo-hooo," with the last note drawn out and lower in pitch.
They also produce a variety of whistles, barks, and screeches, particularly during courtship or when defending territory. The contact call heard mainly from nesting females, is a hollow two-note whistle that sounds like ‘cooo-weep’.
Nesting & Breeding
Spotted Owls typically form monogamous pairs and begin breeding between 2-5 years of age. The breeding season usually starts in early spring, with courtship involving mutual preening and food sharing.
These owls don't build nests but use natural cavities, broken tree tops, or abandoned raptor nests. Females lay 2-3 white to light-gray eggs, incubated by the female for about 30 days.
Both parents care for the young, which fledge at about 35-42 days but remain dependent on their parents for several months. Spotted Owls typically raise one brood per year.
Conservation
Spotted Owls face significant threats due to habitat loss from logging and forest fragmentation. Competition with the invasive Barred Owl further challenges their survival.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting old-growth forests and managing Barred Owl populations in key areas.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Spotted Owls in old-growth forests with dense canopy cover
- Listen for their distinctive four-note hooting call at night
- Search for whitewash and pellets beneath large trees to locate roosting sites
- Use playback sparingly and responsibly, as these owls are sensitive to disturbance
Did You Know?
- Spotted Owls can live up to 17 years in the wild, with some individuals recorded living even longer.
- They have asymmetrical ear openings, which allows for precise sound localization when hunting.
- Spotted Owls are considered an indicator species for the health of old-growth forest ecosystems.
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