The northern spotted owl, strix occidentalis caurina, is one of the largest owls in North America. They measure 16.5 to 19 inches (41 to 48 centimeters) long and have a wingspan that reaches 45 to 48 inches (114 to 122 centimeters) from wingtip to wingtip. They weigh 1 to 2 pounds (0.45 to 0.9 kilograms) with the males being smaller than the females. This bird is brown in color with white spots on its head, neck back and under parts. Their eyes are dark brown (most owls, like the snowy, burrowing and short-eared owl, have yellow to red-orange colored eyes) and are surrounded by white, facial disks.
The northern spotted owl can be found in northern California, the Pacific northwestern United States as well as the southern parts of British Columbia, Canada. They will often inhabit old-growth forests that have tree canopies that are both high and wide enough that they can fly between and underneath them. The northern spotted owl is nocturnal, resting during the day while hunting at night. Their eyes are sensitive to the sun, making the day an ideal time to sleep. They are highly territorial creatures that will not tolerate habitat disturbance. Communication is done through a distinctive four-note hooting call as well as a squeaking “whee-whee” whistle. Females have a higher-pitched whistle than males do.
The diet of a northern spotted owl consists of rats, mice, flying squirrels, small bats, moths, crickets and large beetles. Their keen eyesight (which is better than that of most other birds) as well as their ability to turn their heads up to 270 degrees allows them to easily lock onto their prey and then go in for the kill. Predators that these birds must keep an eye out for include other birds like the great horned owl and the goshawk. It will attempt to lose its predator by maneuvering among the multi-layered canopies of the tree tops.
Breeding season for the northern spotted owl takes place in February or March. A male and female will form a permanent breeding pair, remaining together for life. Females will lay a clutch of 2 to 3 eggs after a gestation period of 1 to 2 months. The female will incubate the eggs for 28 to 30 days, at which time they hatch. She will continue to sit with them for another 8 to 10 days while the male brings her food. The young ones will fledge (learn to fly) 34 to 46 days after hatching, but remain with their parents until late summer or early fall. If the little ones can survive long enough, then they can live to be up to 10 years old.
The northern spotted owl is a threatened species. Their greatest threat by far is the loss of their old-growth natural habitat by both humans and natural disasters such as fires, wind storms and even volcanic eruptions. Hopefully, this animal can overcome its obstacles and begin repopulating. After all, such a unique bird species deserves to live and prosper far into the future.
Works Cited
“Northern Spotted Owl” 5 July 2011
“Northern Spotted Owl” 5 July 2011
“Northern Spotted Owl” 5 July 2011