Northern Hawk-owl
Least ConcernSurnia ulula
Visual Identification
Northern Hawk-owl
Appearance
The Northern Hawk-owl is a medium-sized owl with a long tail and pointed wings, giving it a hawk-like silhouette.
Its upperparts are dark brown with white spotting, while the underparts are white with dense brown barring. The facial disc is pale with a black border. The bill is hooked and yellow, and the feet are feathered with black talons.
Both sexes look similar, although females are noticeably larger, with no seasonal plumage changes. Juveniles resemble adults but have a less distinct facial pattern and softer, fluffier plumage.
Size
Length
36cm to 43cm
Wingspan
69cm to 84cm
Weight
220g to 350g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown White
Secondary Colour
Grey Black
Beak Colour
Yellow
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Northern Hawk-owls inhabit boreal forests and taiga regions across North America and Eurasia. They prefer open coniferous or mixed woodlands with clearings and forest edges for hunting.
Perches for hunting and open meadows for catching prey are both important. Burned forest environments are also popular, with deadwood snags and an increased number of abandoned woodpecker cavities presenting useful nesting possibilities.
In North America, they are found mainly in Alaska and Canada. During irruption years, they may venture further south into the northern United States, attracting birdwatchers with their unusual daytime activity.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 2,650 meters
Climate zones
Subarctic, Boreal
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
The Northern Hawk-owl primarily hunts small mammals, especially voles and lemmings. Squirrels, rats, mice and weasels are also taken.
It also catches small birds, particularly during winter when rodents are scarce. Some prey items taken in the winter include grouse, ptarmigans, snowshoe hares, robins, jays, starlings and finches.
This owl employs a sit-and-wait strategy, diving from its perch to capture prey on the ground or in flight.
Behaviour
Unlike most owls, the Northern Hawk-owl is diurnal, often active during daylight hours. It perches conspicuously on treetops, scanning for prey with keen eyesight. During courtship, males perform aerial displays, diving dramatically from high perches.
Vocalisation
The Northern Hawk-owl's primary call is a rapid series of short, sharp whistles, often described as 'ki-ki-ki-ki'.
Early in the breeding season, the advertising call of males is heard, with a rolling ‘tu-wita-wit, tiwita-tu-wita, wita’ whistle. When alarmed, they emit a loud, raspy 'skreeeeew' similar to a hawk's scream.
Away from nest sites, Northern Hawk-owls are usually silent.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Northern Hawk-owls typically begins in April or May. Males attract females with vocalizations and flight displays, often bringing food gifts during courtship.
These owls nest in tree cavities, often using old woodpecker holes or broken tree tops. The female lays 3-13 white eggs, with clutch size varying based on prey abundance.
Incubation lasts about 25-30 days, and it is primarily done by the female while the male provides food. Nestlings fledge after 25-35 days but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks.
Lifespan
The Northern Hawk-owl typically lives for 10 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 16 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 the Northern Hawk-owl is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and climate change.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving boreal forest habitats and monitoring population trends across its range.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them perched on exposed treetops in open boreal forests
- Listen for their shrill, repeated 'ki-ki-ki' calls
- Observe during daylight hours, unlike most owl species
- In North America, watch for irruptions in winter when they may move south
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Hawk Owl
Family:
StrigidaePredators
Main predators include Great Horned Owls, Goshawks, and Martens. Humans also pose a threat through habitat destruction and occasional collisions with vehicles.
Did You Know?
- Northern Hawk-owls can detect prey under snow using their exceptional hearing.
- They have asymmetrical ear openings, allowing for precise sound localization.
- Unlike most owls, they lack silent flight, producing an audible 'swoosh' when flying.
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FAQs
Is a northern hawk owl an owl or hawk?
The northern hawk owl has a similar shape, flight style, and behavior to a hawk, but is classified as a member of the owl family, and has a number of typical ‘owl-like’ traits and physical characteristics.
In Ontario, northern hawk owls are classed as falconry birds and licenced owners may use them in hunting.
References
- 1 4
book, 2010: Fransson et al. - EURING list of longevity records for European birds
- 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Surnia ulula. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22689189A206518616.
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