Spotted Owl
Strix occidentalis
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Spotted Owl is a medium-sized owl with dark and light brown plumage covered in white spots. Its round head lacks ear tufts, and it has large, dark eyes surrounded by prominent facial disks. Their eyes are dark brown, and their bill is yellow.
Subspecies found to the north are darker brown than those in southern regions, which are a much lighter shade.
Both males and females share similar coloration, with females slightly larger. Juveniles resemble adults but may have a more reddish-brown tint and less distinct spotting, as well as more of a 'fluffy' appearance.
Size
Length
41cm to 48cm
Wingspan
107cm to 114cm
Weight
518g to 760g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown White
Secondary Colour
Buff
Beak Colour
Yellow
Leg Colour
Brown
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Spotted Owls inhabit old-growth and mature forests across western North America, from British Columbia to Mexico. They prefer dense, multi-layered canopies with large trees and numerous snags.
In the United States, they are found in the Pacific Northwest, California, and parts of the Southwest. Their range extends into Canada's southern British Columbia and south into Mexico's Sierra Madre Occidental.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 2,700 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Spotted 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
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
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 Spotted Owl demonstrates high agility, essential for navigating dense forest canopies and executing precise hunting manoeuvres in low-light conditions. Their silent flight and ability to swoop down on prey from perches indicate exceptional aerial dexterity.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a medium-sized owl, the Spotted Owl possesses moderate strength. Whilst capable of capturing prey such as flying squirrels and woodrats, they are not as powerful as larger owl species. Their strength is sufficient for their hunting needs but not exceptional within the raptor world.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Spotted Owls show good adaptability in terms of their hunting strategies and ability to thrive in various elevations (from sea level to 2,700 metres). However, their strong dependence on old-growth forests and vulnerability to habitat changes suggest limitations in overall adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Spotted Owls are generally not highly aggressive birds. They are primarily solitary and form strong pair bonds during breeding. Their defensive behaviours are mostly limited to protecting their territory and young, rather than displaying overt aggression.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Spotted Owl's endurance is reasonably good, as evidenced by their ability to hunt throughout the night and care for young over extended periods. Their lifespan of up to 17 years in the wild also suggests decent endurance. However, they are not known for long-distance flights or extreme physical feats, limiting their overall endurance rating.
Diet
Spotted Owls primarily feed on small mammals, particularly flying squirrels and dusky-footed woodrats. They also consume other rodents, rabbits,, voles, moles, bats, and occasionally small birds.
These owls hunt silently, using their acute hearing and sight to locate prey in the dark forest understory. Prey is spotted from perches, and spotted owls swoop silently in pursuit, grabbing with their sharp talons and snapping the animal’s neck with their powerful bills.
Behaviour
Spotted Owls are primarily nocturnal, roosting in dense forest canopies during the day. They hunt by perching on branches and swooping down on prey.
These owls are generally solitary but form strong, long-term pair bonds during the breeding season.
Vocalisation
The Spotted Owl's most recognizable call is a series of four hoots, often described as "hoo-hoo-hoo-hooo," with the last note drawn out and lower in pitch.
They also produce a variety of whistles, barks, and screeches, particularly during courtship or when defending territory. The contact call heard mainly from nesting females, is a hollow two-note whistle that sounds like ‘cooo-weep’.
Nesting & Breeding
Spotted Owls typically form monogamous pairs and begin breeding between 2-5 years of age. The breeding season usually starts in early spring, with courtship involving mutual preening and food sharing.
These owls don't build nests but use natural cavities, broken tree tops, or abandoned raptor nests. Females lay 2-3 white to light-gray eggs, incubated by the female for about 30 days.
Both parents care for the young, which fledge at about 35-42 days but remain dependent on their parents for several months. Spotted Owls typically raise one brood per year.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
Spotted Owls face significant threats due to habitat loss from logging and forest fragmentation. Competition with the invasive Barred Owl further challenges their survival.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting old-growth forests and managing Barred Owl populations in key areas.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Spotted Owls in old-growth forests with dense canopy cover
- Listen for their distinctive four-note hooting call at night
- Search for whitewash and pellets beneath large trees to locate roosting sites
- Use playback sparingly and responsibly, as these owls are sensitive to disturbance
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Great Horned Owls are the primary predators of adult Spotted Owls, while raccoons, fishers, and Northern Goshawks may prey on eggs and nestlings.
Did You Know?
- Spotted Owls can live up to 17 years in the wild, with some individuals recorded living even longer.
- They have asymmetrical ear openings, which allows for precise sound localization when hunting.
- Spotted Owls are considered an indicator species for the health of old-growth forest ecosystems.
FAQs
What is the spotted owl controversy?
The Spotted Owl Controversy refers to a long-running political and environmental dispute in the Pacific Northwest, which emerged in the 1980s.
Extensive logging and timber harvesting of old-growth forests in this region were noticeably negatively impacting the population of spotted owls, and increased protection laws were introduced to protect the species, including a ‘Threatened Species’ designation under the Endangered Species Act.
Disputes arose between the logging industry workers and conservationists after restrictions on timber harvests were introduced in the region in line with the conservation laws, leading to job losses and financial hardship for some local workers and businesses. Tensions rose and it continues to be a challenge to find a balance between conservation and economic activity in the area.
Is the spotted owl still an endangered species?
Northern spotted owls are a designated endangered species in Canada and a threatened species in the US. California spotted owls are listed at a state level as a species of conservation concern.
Further south, Mexican spotted owls are recognized as a threatened species in both the US and Mexico. Overall, spotted owls are classified as a Near Threatened species by the IUCN.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2020. Strix occidentalis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22689089A180937862.
View source - 3
report, 2019: Partners in Flight
- 2
website, 2022: Partners in Flight
View source - 4
website, 2000: Carey and Judge, Longevity Records: Life Spans of Mammals, Birds, Amphibians, Reptiles, and Fish
View source
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