Northern Saw-whet Owl

A tiny owl (about the size of a soda can) with a rounded head and no ear tufts. Overall brown streaked with white; underparts white with reddish-brown streaks. It has a prominent whitish facial disc edged with brown, giving a 'X' or 'Y' shaped pattern between the eyes. Eyes are yellow. Named for its call that supposedly sounds like a saw being sharpened on a whetstone. Typically very secretive and rarely seen, roosting quietly during the day in dense foliage and becoming active at night.

“evenly spaced toots, like a back-up alarm”

Favors dense coniferous or mixed forests, particularly with thickets or heavy undergrowth. Often in mature forests with thick younger growth beneath, or forested ravines. During winter, may move into more deciduous woods or shrub thickets. Nests in tree cavities (often old woodpecker holes, especially those made by Northern Flickers or Pileated Woodpeckers). Found across North America, especially in the north and in montane regions, but usually in low densities due to its secretive nature.

Males start singing as early as late winter (January/February in mild areas, March in colder areas) to attract a mate and establish territory. Breeding occurs from late winter into spring; they nest in cavities, laying eggs usually in April or May. Males bring food to the females and young. By summer, fledglings leave the nest and disperse. Saw-whets are quiet during summer and early fall, focusing on hunting. Come fall (October-November), many undertake migration at night; this is when they are often caught at banding stations using mist nets and audio lures. During winter, they roost in dense cover and are rarely vocal except sometimes making quiet calls on calm nights. As winter ends, the cycle of tooting songs begins anew. Throughout, they remain solitary except during breeding, and even then the male and female don't roost together (female stays at nest, male nearby).