Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 14.2–17.7 in
36–45 cm - Wingspan
- 28 in
71 cm - Weight
- 8.5–16 oz
240–454 g
Other Names
- Hawk Owl; Northern Hawk-Owl
- Chouette épervière (French)
- Lechuza gavilana (Spanish)
Cool Facts
- The Northern Hawk Owl can detect prey by sight at a distance of up to 800 meters (half a mile).
- Though it is thought to detect prey primarily by sight, the Northern Hawk Owl can find and seize prey under 30 cm (1 foot) of snow.
Habitat
Forest
Coniferous or mixed forests near open areas.
Food
Mammals
Mostly small mammals, especially voles. Also some birds, especially in winter.
Nesting
Nesting Facts
- Clutch Size
- 3–13 eggs
- Egg Description
- White.
- Condition at Hatching
- Helpless and covered in white down.
Nest Description
Nests in cavities, including old woodpecker nests, and hollow tops of broken tree trunks. No structure built.
Nest Placement
Cavity
Behavior
Aerial Dive
Hunts by day or night. Perches on prominent treetops, detecting prey by sight. Also has keen hearing, and can take prey completely concealed by snow.
Conservation
Least Concern
No immediate known conservation concern.
Credits
- Duncan, J. R., and P. A. Duncan. 1998. Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula). In The Birds of North America, No. 356 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.