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Northern Hawk Owl

Surnia ulula ORDER: STRIGIFORMES FAMILY: STRIGIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Northern Hawk Owl Photo

© 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology

A bird of boreal forests, the Northern Hawk Owl is distinctive among owls for its morphology and behavior. In winters of food scarcity, it irrupts southward into southern Canada and the northern United States.

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Owls
Owls
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized owl.
  • Long tapered tail.
  • Short pointed wings.
  • Face white, with black border.
  • Crown and forehead dark with many white spots.
  • Underparts white with heavy brown bars.

Immature Description

Similar to adult.

Range Map Help

Northern Hawk Owl Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Similar Species

  • Long tail distinguishes Northern Hawk Owl from all other North American owls.
  • Head and body are broader than those of hawks.