Boreal Owl
Least ConcernAegolius funereus
Visual Identification
Boreal Owl
Appearance
The Boreal Owl is a small, round-headed owl with a distinctive facial disk. Its upperparts are dark brown, spotted with white, while the underparts are whitish with brown streaks. The large, yellow eyes are set in a facial disk ringed by dark brown feathers, giving it a surprised expression.
Females are generally larger and darker than males. Juveniles resemble adults but have a darker facial disk and less distinct markings. The owl's plumage remains consistent year-round, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
Size
Length
21cm to 28cm
Wingspan
50cm to 62cm
Weight
90g to 194g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown White
Secondary Colour
Grey
Beak Colour
Pale Yellow
Leg Colour
White
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Boreal Owls inhabit dense coniferous and mixed forests across the northern hemisphere, including parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. They prefer mature forests with abundant tree cavities for nesting and roosting.
In North America, they are found in Alaska, Canada, and the northern United States. During harsh winters, some individuals may move southward or to lower elevations for food, making them partial migrants.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Subarctic, Temperate
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Boreal Owls primarily feed on small mammals, particularly voles and mice. They also consume small birds, insects, and occasionally amphibians. Other mammals commonly caught include gophers, squirrels, shrews, moles, chipmunks and bats.
They mainly hunt nocturnally, watching from perches. Their exceptional hearing allows them to locate prey beneath snow cover, making them efficient hunters even in harsh winter conditions.
Behaviour
Boreal Owls are primarily nocturnal, hunting under the cover of darkness. They employ a sit-and-wait strategy, perching motionless on low branches before swooping down on prey.
During the day, these owls roost close to tree trunks, relying on their cryptic plumage to avoid detection by potential predators.
Vocalisation
The Boreal Owl's primary call is a series of clear, hollow-sounding hoots, often described as 'po-po-po-po'. This call, reminiscent of a gentle ping-pong ball bouncing, is typically given by males during the breeding season. Females may respond with a higher-pitched, raspy call.
When alarmed, they produce a sharp, barking 'skiew' sound.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Boreal Owls typically begins in late winter or early spring. Males attract females with their distinctive hooting calls and may offer food as part of courtship rituals.
These owls are cavity nesters, often using old woodpecker holes or natural tree cavities. They do not build nests but may add fur or feathers to line the cavity. Females lay 3-6 white eggs, which are incubated for about 28 days.
The female remains with the young while the male provides food. Nestlings fledge after about 28-36 days but continue to be fed by parents for several weeks afterwards. Boreal Owls typically raise one brood per year.
Lifespan
The Boreal Owl typically lives for 7 to 8 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 15.9 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Boreal Owls face threats from habitat loss due to logging and climate change.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving old-growth boreal forests and maintaining suitable nesting cavities. Monitoring programs are crucial for tracking population trends in this elusive species.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their distinctive 'po-po-po-po' call at night, especially during breeding season
- Search for them in dense coniferous forests, particularly near clearings
- Look for whitewash and pellets at the base of large trees to locate potential roosting sites
- Use playback cautiously and sparingly to avoid disturbing the birds
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Tengmalm's Owl
Family:
StrigidaePredators
Did You Know?
- Boreal Owls have asymmetrical ear openings, which helps them pinpoint the exact location of prey by sound alone.
- They can catch prey hidden under 18 inches of snow, thanks to their exceptional hearing.
- Despite their small size, Boreal Owls are known to take prey larger than themselves occasionally.
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FAQs
What does the Boreal Owl symbolize?
The scientific name for the boreal owl, Aegolius funereus, gives a hint to the symbolism of this species - and it isn’t a particularly positive meaning. Aegolius means ‘bird of ill omen’ in Greek and funereus is Latin for ‘bearing ill’, linking the species with foreboding and bad news on the horizon.
How to attract Boreal Owls?
If you live within the breeding range of boreal owls and have some tall trees on your land, it may be worth putting up a purpose-built owl nesting box. Leave trees to grow, without pruning the foliage, so that maximum shade and shelter and perching spots are available.
References
- 2 3 4
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Aegolius funereus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22689362A201898946.
View source - 1
book, 1980: John Terres, The Audubon Society Encyclopedia of North American Birds