Boreal Owl

Aegolius funereus

The Boreal Owl is a reclusive owl rarely seen by humans in North America, as they prefer boreal forests of Canada and Alaska and upper-elevation mixed conifer forests of the western U.S.  In addition, they are highly nocturnal, and generally are only vocal during the early spring.  Prior to the 1970s, it was thought they only bred in Canada, until populations started to be discovered at higher elevations in the western U.S.  They can also be found in Eurasia.

Habitat: Prefers mixed coniferous forest for breeding, especially spruce or fir mixed with aspen or birch.  These habitats can be found at lower elevations throughout much of its range in Canada and Alaska.  In the southern part of its range, they are primarily found in higher elevations.

Diet: Primarily feeds on small mammals.  Will also eat small birds and insects.

Behavior: Nocturnal, doing nearly all its hunting at night.  Hunts by observing from a perch, swooping down to snag prey in its talons when spotted.  Capable of hunting with a bare minimum of light, hunting by sound alone.

Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota

Song: Series of short rising ringing notes.

Migration: Populations are generally non-migratory, but there are occasional southward irruptions during winters when prey is scarce in their normal range.

Similar Species: Northern Saw-whet Owl

Conservation Status: It's difficult to identify trends in populations due to their normal habitat and reclusive nature, but it's believed their numbers are generally stable.

Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Boreal Owl

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Boreal Owl"

3) eNature.com -- Boreal Owl

Photo Information: July 16th, 2005 - Amherst Island, Ontario, Canada - Wikipedia Commons image, licensed under GNU Free Documentation License.