Watercolor portrait of Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus)

Boreal Owl

Aegolius funereus
It lives year-round across the boreal fo… Look for it in dense conifer forests—spr… Uncommon Territorial Song

Learn to identify the Boreal Owl by ear. Master the "poo-poo-poo-poo... like a tiny wooden flute keeping time" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“poo-poo-poo-poo... like a tiny wooden flute keeping time”

What the Boreal Owl sounds like

The Boreal Owl is a tiny, big-headed owl with bright yellow eyes and a startled-looking white face. It slips through dark spruce woods like a shadow and is far more often heard than seen.

“poo-poo-poo-poo... like a tiny wooden flute keeping time”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A long string of hollow, even notes on one pitch. Males can repeat it for minutes from a treetop on cold spring nights. Often written as “poo-poo-poo-poo... like a tiny wooden flute keeping time”.
Don't confuse with:The Northern Saw-whet Owl — boreal owl has a cleaner white facial disk with a stronger dark border.

Where you'll hear it

Look for it in dense conifer forests—spruce, fir, pine, and larch—especially in northern woods and cool mountain forests. By day it roosts quietly in thick cover, often tucked close to the trunk.

This owl is most active from dusk through the night. It gets much more vocal in late winter and spring, when males give their steady, hollow song from treetops.

Similar species

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Boreal Owl has a cleaner white facial disk with a stronger dark border.

Northern Pygmy-Owl

Northern Pygmy-Owl is more often active by day.

Flammulated Owl

Flammulated Owl has dark eyes, not bright yellow ones.

Boreal Owl song FAQ

What does a Boreal Owl sound like?
A long string of hollow, even notes on one pitch. Males can repeat it for minutes from a treetop on cold spring nights. Listen for the "poo-poo-poo-poo... like a tiny wooden flute keeping time" phrase.
How do I tell a Boreal Owl from a Northern Saw-whet Owl by sound?
Northern Saw-whet Owl: Boreal Owl has a cleaner white facial disk with a stronger dark border.; Boreal Owl usually shows bolder white spotting on the crown and back.; Saw-whet often looks warmer brown and less sharply patterned in the face..
When is the best time to hear a Boreal Owl?
This owl is most active from dusk through the night. It gets much more vocal in late winter and spring, when males give their steady, hollow song from treetops.