Northern Hawk-owl
Surnia ulula
Visual Identification
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
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Northern Hawk-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 Northern Hawk-owl displays remarkable agility, with its hawk-like silhouette and pointed wings enabling swift, precise movements. Its diurnal nature and ability to perform aerial displays during courtship further demonstrate its nimbleness.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not the strongest owl species, the Northern Hawk-owl possesses sufficient strength to capture and carry small mammals and birds. Its medium size and ability to dive from perches to catch prey indicate a respectable level of strength.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
This species shows high adaptability, thriving in various boreal and taiga habitats across North America and Eurasia. Its ability to hunt during daylight hours and switch prey types based on availability demonstrates considerable adaptiveness.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Northern Hawk-owls exhibit high aggressiveness, particularly during breeding season and when defending their territory. Their willingness to dive at prey and emit alarm calls suggests a certain level of assertiveness, though they're not known for extreme aggression. They have been known to inflict nasty injuries on the scalps of humans who approach their nest sites.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Northern Hawk-owl's endurance is evidenced by its ability to remain active during daylight hours, unlike most owls. Its capacity to survive in harsh boreal climates and potentially undertake long-distance movements during irruption years indicates good stamina.
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.
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
Predators
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.
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
- 3 4
book, 2010: Fransson et al. - EURING list of longevity records for European birds
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Surnia ulula. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22689189A206518616.
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