The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium-sized owl that frequents northern boreal forests. It is one of our most diurnal of owls. A reclusive species, it is most often seen perched on a telephone pole or tip of a tree along the edges of fields and roads. It is an "earless" owl with overall grayish and brownish plumage. Its gray facial disks are distinctively bordered on the outside with broad, vertical black "sideburns". Its breast is densely barred with brown horizontal stripes. Its brown wings are heavily spotted with white and have narrow tips. It sits hawk-like, rather than erect like other owls, looking slender, when its relatively long tail is most noticeable. Its tail is usually held at an angle from the body. It has small, piercing eyes with a lemon yellow iris. In flight it flies swiftly, with rapid bursts of wing beats, between perches.
Size
The Northern Hawk Owl is the ninth largest North American Owl. Females and males are similar in size. Lengths average 17 inches (43 centimeters) for females and 16.5 inches (42 centimeters) for males. Wingspans average 33 inches (84 meters) for both females and males. Weights average 9 ounces (252 grams) for females and 8 ounces (225 grams) for males.
Specific Description
Adult
-refer to above
-black "sideburns" and small yellow eyes
-long tail, often jerked upward when sitting
-sits atop trees during daylight hours
-heavily barred breast and belly
Similar Species
In flight it could be confused with the Northern Goshawk or Cooper's Hawk, because of its rapid wing beat and relatively long tail. At rest it resembles an American Kestrel, but is larger.
Other Names
It has also been known as Hawk Owl, Day Owl, and Hudsonian Owl.
Etymology
The scientific name Surnia ulula translates into "bird of ill omen".
