Boreal Owl
Aegolius funereus
Visual Identification
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
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Boreal Owl. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Boreal Owl demonstrates remarkable agility in its nocturnal hunting. Its ability to manoeuvre through dense forests, execute precise swoops to catch prey, and even locate and capture animals hidden under deep snow showcases exceptional aerial dexterity.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
While small in stature, the Boreal Owl possesses surprising strength for its size. It can occasionally take prey larger than itself, indicating a respectable level of physical power. However, its strength is naturally limited by its compact build.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Boreal Owls exhibit impressive adaptability. They thrive in harsh northern climates, can hunt effectively even in deep snow, and adjust their hunting strategies based on prey availability. Their partial migratory behaviour in response to food scarcity further demonstrates their adaptable nature.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Despite their small size, Boreal Owls are fierce predators. They fearlessly tackle prey that may be larger than themselves and defend their territories vigorously during breeding season. However, they're not typically aggressive towards larger animals or humans, preferring to rely on camouflage.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Boreal Owl's endurance is noteworthy, particularly considering its small size. It can survive in extremely cold climates and hunt actively throughout long winter nights. Its ability to undertake partial migrations when necessary also suggests good endurance. However, as a small bird, its overall stamina has natural limitations.
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.
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
Predators
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.
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
- 1 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Aegolius funereus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22689362A201898946.
View source - 4
book, 1980: John Terres, The Audubon Society Encyclopedia of North American Birds
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