Saw-Whet Owl Aegolius acadicus Bird Order Strigiformes Description 170-190 mm long. Black bill and streaked crown. Chicks are fist white, but dark, chocolate brown feathers of a distinctive juvenile plumage grown through. Range N. America- extending in a broad belt from south eastern Alaska and California in the west to eastern Canada and the north-eastern U.S. extends south into Mexico. Generally absent from the southern states. Status All owls are regulated by the international law of trade. Photo by Greg Neise

Ecology Habitat Damp, dense woodlands.   Niche Eats small mammals and birdsÑ bats and frogs, even occasionally mammals and birds as large as the owl itself, have been recorded. During winter the population as a whole shifts slightly south, but most of the birds remain within their breeding range. Rarely seen during the day because they are largely crepuscular or nocturnal hunters. Life History Breeding season in March-April. Nest in cavities. Clutch size is 5-6 eggs which are white and rather oval. Incubation takes from 21 to 28 days. Special Adaptations Flight feathers are serrated at their tips, muffling the flapping sound of the wings during flight. Sharp talons for seizing and holding prey. Hooked beak for tearing meat. Eyes in front allow for depth perception and ability to isolate and efficiently capture prey, as well as to avoid obstacles. Eyes fixed in sockets, so owl's flexible neck designed to turn up to 270 degrees (three quarters of a circle). Camouflage coloring helps keep owl from being discovered during the day.