A medium-sized owl that hunts by day from prominent perches like a hawk — unusual for owls. Long tail, falcon-like profile.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The northern hawk-owl or northern hawk owl, is a medium-sized true owl of the northern latitudes. It is non-migratory and usually stays within its breeding range, though it sometimes irrupts southward. It is one of the few owls that is not strictly nocturnal nor crepuscular, often being active during the day. This is the only living species in the genus Surnia of the family Strigidae, the "typical" owls. The species is sometimes called simply the hawk owl; however, many species of owls in the genus Ninox are also called "hawk owls".
Source: Wikipedia — Northern hawk-owl Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Medium owl with a long tail, a hawk-like silhouette, a pale facial disk boldly framed in black, finely barred underparts, and yellow eyes. Often perches in the open by day.
Similar species. Most owls are nocturnal and round-tailed; the Hawk Owl's diurnal habits, long tail, and black-framed face are unmistakable.
Voice. A long, rolling, bubbling, whistled trill 'ulululululu' on the breeding grounds; sharp 'kip' alarm.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects depending on species.
Behavior. An unusual day-hunting owl of the northern boreal forest that behaves like a hawk — perching atop spires and using vision to hunt voles, with a long tail and falcon-like flight.
§ Range
Boreal Canada, Alaska; rare US winter visitor
§ Habitat
Boreal coniferous forests
§ Threats
Forest disturbance, climate change.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the northern hawk owl is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Support boreal conservation. Maintain mature conifers.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Northern hawk-owl
- www.allaboutbirds.org — authoritative profile of Surnia ulula
- IUCN Red List — search for Surnia ulula
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Surnia ulula
§ Sources cited
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
- National Audubon Society
- iNaturalist
- IUCN Red List
