Northern Saw-Whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus)

County List:

Rule:

Forested or Mixed Forested/Nonforested Landscapes

1st alternative:
      (Any Upland Conifer Except Conifer Plantations (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven))
      or (Any Upland Mixed (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven))
      or (Any Lowland Conifer (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven))
      or (Any Lowland Mixed (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven))
   containing:
      Stand/Gap Openings
      and (Snags or Living Cavity Trees) 

2nd alternative:
      (Any Upland Conifer Except Conifer Plantations (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven))
      or (Any Upland Mixed (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven))
      or (Any Lowland Conifer (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven))
      or (Any Lowland Mixed (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven))
   containing:
      (Snags or Living Cavity Trees) 
   adjacent to:
      Edge

Habitat List:

view size class definitions

Literature:

Habitat: The Northern Saw-whet Owl is most commonly associated with moist coniferous or deciduous forest, woodlots and swamps, but little is known about its habitat requirements. Five territories studied in 1988 in the Hiawatha National Forest included a variety of vegetation; however, four had quaking aspen or balsam poplar well represented, especially in sapling size classes, and three had pole-sized pine, fir or spruce. Mature hardwood forest was poorly represented in these five territories.

Nests are usually in abandoned woodpecker holes, most commonly in those of Northern Flickers and occasionally Pileated Woodpeckers. Natural cavities and nest boxes are sometimes used. Because this owl depends largely on abandoned cavities of the larger woodpeckers and these, according to Thomas, depend on large snag trees at least 12 inches in diameter, one desirable conservation measure is forest management designed to provide for a continued supply of such snags.

Habitat: Breeding: Use a variety of habitats, including woodlots, roadside shade trees, coniferous and deciduous forests. Swampy areas in deep coniferous forests are preferred over dry deciduous woods. Mature mixed forest with scattered dead trees are preferred nesting habitats. Wintering: When deep snow makes food unavailable, birds may move south in search of prey. Birds roost in conifers at edge or interior of extensive woodlands. Also in coniferous thickets in parks and isolated pines.

Special Habitat Requirements: Cavity in tree with a minimum dbh of 12 inches.

Habitat: Forests, conifers, groves. Breeds most commonly in coniferous forest of various kinds, including open pine forest, spruce-fir associations, white cedar swamps it also mixed woods such as pine-oak, spruce-poplar and others. Winters in habitats with dense cover, especially groves of conifers.

Diet: Mostly small rodents. Feeds mostly on mice that live in forest, especially deer mice; also many voles. Also eats other mice, shrews, young squirrels, sometimes small birds and large insects.

Nest is in tree cavity, usually 15-60 feet above ground. Mostly uses abandoned woodpecker holes, especially those of flickers and Pileated Woodpeckers. Will also use artificial nest boxes. Apparently will not use same site two years in a row.