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Wildlife
- Birds - |
Northern Saw-whet Owl
(Aegolius acadicus) Y |
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RANGE: Breeds from southern Alaska, central British Columbia,
and central Alberta to southern Quebec and northern New
Brunswick, south to southern California, central Mexico, extreme
western Texas, central Missouri, southern Wisconsin, central
Ohio, West Virginia, and New York; also in the mountains of
eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. Winters generally
throughout the breeding range, south irregularly to southern
Arizona, the Gulf Coast, and central Florida.
STATUS: Uncommon.
HABITAT: Favors dense woods, especially swampy areas of
coniferous or hardwood forests. Also inhabits tamarack bogs,
alder thickets, cedar groves, woodlots, and roadside shade
trees; may take up temporary residence in or around a barn.
Prefers cedar groves and vine clusters for roosting.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Tree cavities large enough for
nesting and roosting. Strongest habitat associations
occur in Jeffrey Pine forest, Douglas Fir-mixed deciduous
forest, and edges of recently cut or burned forest.
NEST: Usually nests in abandoned nest holes of northern
flickers, hairy woodpeckers, or other woodpeckers but will use
natural cavities of suitable size. Usually nests 20 to 40 (range
14 to 60) feet above the ground. Occasionally uses nest boxes
with a layer of straw or sawdust.
FOOD: Mostly eats small mammals; also preys on small birds, some
insects, and frogs.
REFERENCES: Adamus et al. 2001, DeGraff et al. 1980, Heintzelman
1979, Johnsgard 1979, Karalus and Eckert 1974, Miller 1999,
Shunk 2004. |
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