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Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus ORDER: STRIGIFORMES FAMILY: STRIGIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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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Songs

Song a series of whistled toots.

Calls

  • Whine-like call
  • Fall vocalizations
  • Winter vocalizations
  • Male alarm call
  • Unknown call
  • Bill snap and twittering
  • Food deliveries at a nest
  • Courtesy of Macaulay Library
    © Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Search the Macaulay Library online archive for more sounds and videos