Surnia ulula
True to its name, the Northern Hawk Owl lives as far north as the treeline. Even in severe winters, hawk owls undergo only slight migrations down into the northern U.S. All owls, as well as many other birds, such as herons, gulls, crows and hawks, regurgitate 'pellets'-the indigestible parts of prey compressed into an elongated ball. The feathers, fur and bones that make up the pellets are interesting to analyze, because they reveal which species the owl has recently eaten. Although these pellets may look disgusting, they are generally quite clean and dry. Owl pellets can be found under frequently used roost sites. In our region, hawk owls are best observed during winter; look for them perched over roadsides and open fields. They are generally quite 'tame' and are easily approached. |
I.D.: Sexes similar: long tail; no ear tufts; fine horizontal barring on the underparts; light-colored face is bordered with black; light bill; yellow eyes; white-spotted forehead. Size: L 15-17 in. (38-43 cm); W 33 in. (84 cm). Range: rare year-round resident in Jasper and Banff NPs; winter resident elsewhere in the Canadian Rockies. Habitat: black-spruce bogs and muskegs, old burns and roadside trees in the montane; forages in the lower subalpine. Nesting: typically in the boreal forest and taiga; in the abandoned nests of crows, ravens and jays, abandoned woodpecker cavities and broken-off treetops; adds no lining; incubates 5-7 eggs for 25-30 days. Feeding: swoops from a perch; mainly eats voles, mice and birds; also eats insects in summer. Voice: usually quiet; whistled breeding trill; call is an accipiter-like kee-kee-kee. Similar Species: Northern Pygmy-Owl: much smaller; 2 false 'eyes' on the back of the head. Northern Saw-whet Owl and Boreal Owl short tail; vertical breast streaks. |
