What is a Northern Spotted Owl?

The northern spotted owl is one of three subspecies of spotted owl. A nonmigratory bird, this owl is found in Washington, Oregon, and Northern California in the United States and in parts of British Columbia in Canada. The scientific name for the northern spotted owl is Strix occidentalis caurina.

A medium-sized owl, the northern spotted is about 18 inches (45.7 cm) long and weighs 1–2 pounds (0.5–0.9 kg). Its wingspan is approximately 48 inches (122 cm). Gray-brown in color, these owls look like smaller versions of the barred owl and have light spots around their upper half. They do not have ear tufts, but unlike most owl species have darkly colored eyes.

Generally flying underneath the tree canopy and between trees, the northern spotted owl prefers old growth forests — forests left to grow without much human interference for at least 200 years — because of the variation between tree and branch heights and the gaps in the upper canopy. They are usually found near water sources and will not generally venture, even briefly, into non-forested areas. To combat temperature changes, this owl will fly higher or lower in the forest canopy.

Nocturnal hunters, northern spotted owls eat mostly small rodents, particularly flying squirrels. They wait for their prey on perches and then glide silently down to the ground or a branch, grabbing the prey in their talons. Though they are territorial, they may change their ranges slightly when environmental conditions impede their hunting.

Northern spotted owls mate in February or March and mate for life. Usually nesting in hollows in trees or other species' discarded nests, they also may use artificial nest boxes. A mated pair may have a territory as large as 2,000–5,000 acres (809–2,023 hectares).

The female lays two or three eggs and incubates them for about a month. Once hatched, the young are brooded by the mother for eight to ten days while the male hunts. The young fledge 34–36 days after hatching. Fledglings stay with their parents for two to three months while parents continue to feed them. The northern spotted owl lives about ten years in the wild but can live 15–20 years in captivity.

Spotted owls are considered an indicator species and are used by scientist to test the health of the ecosystems in which they reside. Unfortunately, the northern spotted owl is considered a threatened species. These birds have very specific habitat requirements and do not adapt well to changes in their environments. Deforestation is a main factor in their population declines. Barred owls, which frequently invade their territory, also result in declines in the northern spotted owl species.

The Northern Spotted Owl is distinguished by its dark brown plumage with white spots, and its preference for old-growth forests. It is a nocturnal bird, relying on a habitat with dense canopy cover for nesting and roosting. This species is also notable for its role in environmental conservation efforts, as it has become a symbol of forest preservation.

The Northern Spotted Owl inhabits the Pacific Northwest of the United States, with its range extending from Northern California to British Columbia, Canada. It thrives in old-growth forests, particularly those with a mix of tree species and multi-layered canopies, which provide essential cover and hunting grounds for this elusive raptor.

The Northern Spotted Owl is endangered primarily due to habitat loss from logging and land conversion, which reduces its old-growth forest home. Additionally, competition with the invasive Barred Owl and environmental changes have contributed to its decline. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect the remaining habitat and support the species' recovery.

Northern Spotted Owls are skilled hunters, primarily preying on small mammals such as flying squirrels, woodrats, and mice. They hunt at night using their exceptional hearing and silent flight to locate and capture prey in the darkness of their forested habitats.

Northern Spotted Owls are monogamous and often mate for life. They typically nest in natural tree cavities or on platforms created by broken treetops in old-growth forests. Females lay 2-3 eggs per clutch, and both parents participate in raising the young, which are dependent on them for several months.

Conservation efforts for the Northern Spotted Owl include habitat protection and management, such as restricting logging in critical areas and promoting forest restoration. Additionally, some programs aim to control Barred Owl populations to reduce competition. These measures are vital for the survival of the species, as recognized by the Endangered Species Act.