Northern Hawk Owl Identification

Adult

Medium-sized owl with a long, tapered tail. The face is white with a dark border. Horizontal brown stripes mark the belly.

Adult

The wings are short and pointed (much more so than on other owls). Note white face bordered by dark lines.

Adult

Hunts from prominent tree tops day and night looking for small mammals and birds.

Juvenile

Medium-sized owl with a long tail. Juveniles are a bit paler than adults and look fluffier.

Adult

Medium-sized owl with fully feathered legs and feet. Note horizontal barring on belly and white face bordered in black.

Adult and juveniles

Nests in cavities, including old woodpecker nests, and hollow tops of broken tree trunks.

Adult and juvenile

Adult

Found in evergreen or mixed forests near marshes and open areas where it perches on top of tall trees.

Adult

Perches on prominent trees and shrubs where it hunts primarily for small mammals. This video has no audio.

Adult

Its long tapered tail and dark marks on the side of the face are distinctive.