Northern Saw-Whet Owl
Feather and Friends Rescue and Refuge receives many visitors
to the refuge. One visitor that the refuge recently received
was a Northern Saw-Whet Owl. These owls are some of the smallest
owls of the owl species. On average these owls measure 7 to 8
inches. This owl was about 6 inches.
The Saw-Whet Owl has gets its name from the call that the males
make during breeding season. The call sounds like a saw being
sharpened or whetted. The Saw-Whet Owl only does this call
during breading season. The call can sometimes last hours
at a time. The call can carry up to half a mile.
This owl hunts small insects and mice. It perches low on
a tree and waits for prey and swoops down and catches them.
It primarily hunts at night and stays isolated during the day.
This owl must have been out hunting at night and became tired
during the day. It found a safe place to rest the day away
at Feather and Friends Rescue and Refuge.
The Saw-Whet Owl population is currently declining due to
habitat loss, air pollution, as well as many other factors. |
