Northern Saw Whet Owl
Aegolius acadicus
Northern Saw Whet Owl
Aegolius acadicus
This small owl of preferably northern coniferous forests has a very successful defense; upon discovery it will sit still and not fly therefore is overlooked by potential predators. Its name was derived from its nighttime breeding song which sounded similar to a saw being sharpened on a wet stone.Feeding on mostly small rodents and small birds the main prey is mice and especially deer mice, which are usually eaten in pieces. There are known instances of owls found dead after trying to swallow a whole adult mouse.A cavity nester, it usually uses the abandoned holes of woodpeckers, especially those of Northern Flicker and Pileated Woodpecker. 
Copyright Mark Tiefenbach Deepbrook Nature Photography
Copyright Mark Tiefenbach Deepbrook Nature Photography
12x18 Canvas $125
