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Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus ORDER: STRIGIFORMES FAMILY: STRIGIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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A small owl of all types of woodlands, the Northern Saw-whet Owl can be found roosting in winter in small, dense conifer trees, sometimes even in parks and gardens. Its defense upon discovery is to sit still and not fly, leading people to perceive them as "tame."

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Appearance

Owls
Owls
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small owl.
  • No ear tufts.
  • Face white, outlined in brown and white.
  • Underparts white streaked with brown.
  • Eyes yellow.
  • Bill black.

Immature Description

Upperparts completely dark brown, underparts bright buff. White Y on face, made up of eyebrows and white mark between eyes. Lacks white spots on back.

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Northern Saw-whet Owl Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
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    Northern Saw-whet Owl

    Adult
    • © Jim Weaver/CLO
  • Juvenile
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    Northern Saw-whet Owl

    Juvenile
    • © Arthur L. Ginter/CLO

Similar Species

  • Boreal Owl larger, with yellow bill, white spotting on dark brown crown, and black outline to face. Juvenile boreal with darker brown underparts, and white X, not Y on face.
  • Screech-owls have ear tufts and black streaking on chest.
  • Northern Pygmy-Owl smaller and slimmer, with a long tail, a dark face, and small white spots on sides.