Northern Saw-whet Owl

Northern Saw-whet Owls are Uncommon year round.

Habitat

Northern Saw-whet Owls inhabit all forest types--coniferous, broadleaved, and mixed. They often roost in dense evergreens near forest openings, especially in winter. They commonly use streamside woodlands and can even be found in riparian areas of shrub-steppe habitat.

Behavior

Northern Saw-whet Owls hunt almost entirely at night. They are sit-and-wait predators, watching for prey from low perches (generally 6-12 feet off the ground) and swooping down silently on their prey. They return to the same daytime roosts for extended periods and when found in daytime, can often be found again on the same perch on subsequent days.