Description
 The Northern Saw-whet Owl is the smallest owl in North America. It is less than 7 inches tall and weighs about as a much as a robin. Medium brown in color with vertical white stripes, the tiny owl easily blends into its surroundings. The Northern Saw-whet Owl has yellow eyes and no ear tufts.
RangeThe Northern Saw-whet Owl can be found from Southern Alaska, throughout Canada and most of the United States. It is also found in some high elevation areas in Central Mexico.
Habitat
 The Northern Saw-whet Owl lives in woodlands of all types, including suburban and urban environments. The owl looks for dense trees for roosting and a perch from which to hunt. During the winter or migration, it may live in many different habitats and altitudes.
|
|
Diet
 The Northern Saw-whet Owl eats small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews and lemmings. It also eats juvenile squirrels, chipmunks and gophers. Occasionally, the Northern Saw-whet Owl eats insects like beetles and grasshoppers.
Life Cycle  Breeding occurs between March and July. The Northern Saw-whet Owl often builds a nest in an old woodpecker hole. Females lay 5 or 6 eggs. While the female is incubating the eggs, the male brings her food and protects the nest. Eggs hatch after about 27 days, but the chick's eyes don't open for another week. Chicks first fly when they are about one month old. After 8 weeks, the chicks leave the nest for good.
Behavior
 The Northern Saw-whet Owl hunts at night. Its excellent hearing allows the owl to detect prey using only their ears. To hunt, the owl drops out of a perch and grabs prey with its talons. |
Least Concern
