One of North America’s smallest and most endearing owls — a palm-sized predator with a big personality. This tiny owl is roughly the size of a soda can, yet it possesses all the fierce beauty and sharp instincts of its larger relatives. Its round head, large golden eyes, and soft facial disk give it an almost doll-like appearance, while its rich brown plumage and cream-colored streaks help it blend perfectly into the bark of trees. The name “saw-whet” comes from its distinctive call — a repetitive, high-pitched too-too-too sound that early settlers thought resembled the sharpening, or “whetting,” of a saw. Hearing this rhythmic song echo through a forest at night is an unforgettable experience for anyone lucky enough to encounter it.
Despite its small size, the Northern saw-whet owl is a skilled nocturnal hunter. It primarily feeds on small mammals such as mice, voles, and shrews, swooping down silently from low perches thanks to the unique structure of its feathers that muffles sound during flight. Its hearing is extraordinarily sensitive — it can detect prey moving under snow or leaves — and its vision is perfectly adapted for night hunting. When prey is abundant, the owl may store extra food in tree cavities or branches for later, especially during the cold winter months.
These owls are also migratory marvels. Though many people think of owls as strictly sedentary, Northern saw-whet owls travel surprising distances each fall, moving southward from Canada and the northern U.S. into more temperate areas. Banding studies — where scientists gently tag birds to track their movements — have revealed that these little owls can migrate hundreds of miles in a single season. Their migrations are often mysterious, occurring quietly under the cover of darkness, and they sometimes show up in unexpected places, such as city parks or backyards, during their travels.
Distribution
Bermuda
Canada
Costa Rica
Guatemala
Mexico
Saint Pierre
United StatesAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
