Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus (Gmelin, JF, 1788)

Northern Saw-whet Owl, Aegolius acadicus, breeds across North America and Middle America, and is also found in north Mexico. It is a small owl in the family Strigidae, and among the smallest owls in North America. It lives in coniferous forest, including mixed and deciduous woodland, and most breeding takes place in dense conifers close to wetlands. Some birds remain in place, while others move south in winter or descend from higher ground. The species was first described in 1788 by Gmelin. Adults have a pale face, yellow eyes and a dark bill, with brown or reddish upperparts marked by white spots.

Order

Strigiformes

Family

Strigidae — Owls

Breeding range

North America, Middle America: widespread, also n Mexico