Aegolius funereus
The Boreal Owl routinely ranks in the top five of the most desired species to see, according to birdwatcher surveys; it rarely ventures into populated areas, and its remote northern breeding grounds are hard for birders to reach. During winters of heavy snowfall or prey scarcity, however, Boreal Owls migrate southward and into lower elevations, resulting in a few rare sightings of these mysterious birds. Because of the Boreal Owl's remote habitat and nocturnal activity patterns, science has yet to discover many aspects of its ecology and behavior. This small owl is known to be very well adapted to snowy forest environments: it is quite capable of locating and catching prey that live underneath the snow! This approachable owl was named the 'Blind One' by aboriginal peoples, because it was easily captured by hand. (Like all owls, it actually has excellent vision.) |
I.D.: Sexes similar. Adult: small body; large, rounded head; light facial disk with a dark border; light bill; vertical, rusty streaks on the underparts; brown, white-spotted upperparts; heavily spotted forehead; black, vertical eyebrow; short tail. Immature: brown underparts; brown face with white between the eyes. Size: L 9-12 in. (23-31 cm.). Range: uncommon in the Canadian and northern U.S. Rockies; locally rare year-round resident in the U.S. Rockies. Habitat: mature coniferous and mixed forests at lower latitudes, often adjacent to open meadows up to lower subalpine. Nesting: typically in the boreal forest; in abandoned woodpecker cavities and natural hollows in trees; lines the cavity with a few feathers; female incubates 4-6 white eggs for 26-32 days. Feeding: swoops from a perch for voles, mice, shrews and insects; caches food; might plunge through snow for food. Voice: rapid, accelerating, continuous whistle: whew-whew-whew-whew; easily imitated. Similar Species: Northern Saw-whet Owl: adult has a dark bill and lacks the heavy forehead spotting and the vertical eyebrow; immature has reddish underparts. Western Screech-Owl: ear tufts; dark bill; dark face. |
