Difference between revisions of "Owls"

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(Barred Owl)
(Northern Saw-Whet Owl)
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=== Northern Saw-Whet Owl ===
 
=== Northern Saw-Whet Owl ===
(Aegolius acadicus)
+
(Aegolius acadicus)<br>
 +
Pint-sized owl of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico; found in northern forests and western mountains. Prefers areas with conifers and thick understory. Fairly common, but shy and difficult to see. Patterned with brown and white overall, with streaked white forehead and blotchy rusty-brown streaks below. No ear tufts. Migratory, but numbers of migrants fluctuate greatly from year to year. Named for its loud, repetitive whistles that sound like a saw being whetted (sharpened). Also gives a harsher, rising screech. Most similar to less common Boreal Owl. Saw-whet is smaller with streaks (not spots) on forehead and richer orange-brown streaks on underparts.
  
 
[[File:Saw-whet.jpg|200px|thumb|center|Northern Saw-Whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) - © David Malak]]
 
[[File:Saw-whet.jpg|200px|thumb|center|Northern Saw-Whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) - © David Malak]]

Revision as of 22:54, 17 February 2020

BIRDS



Birds of Prey
EaglesFalconsHawksOspreyOwls


Waterfowl
DucksGeeseSwansCormorantsLoonsGrebes


Near Shore Birds
BitternsCranesEgretsHeronsPloversRailsKingfisherPhalaropesSandpipers


Galliforms
GrousePheasantsTurkeys


Corvids
CrowsJays


Other Birds
BlackbirdsCardinalsChickadeesCreepersCuckoosDovesFinchesGrosbeaksGullsHummingbirdsKingletsLarksNight JarsNuthatchesOriolesPigeonsPipitsShrikeSparrowsStarlingsSwiftsSwallowsTernsTanagersThrashersThrushesTitmiceTowheesTyrant FlycatchersWarblersWaxwingsWoodpeckersWrensVireoVultures

Owls, like Eagles, Falcons, Osprey, and Hawks, are birds of prey.


Barn Owls

Barn Owl

(Tyto alba)

Typical Owls

Eastern Screech Owl

(Otus asio)
Small, stocky owl with large head and no neck. Pointed ear tufts are often raised. Varies in color from gray to bright rufous (reddish-brown). Intricate pattern is perfect for camouflage against tree bark. Yellow eyes. Active at night when they prey on small birds and mammals. More often heard than seen; listen for its descending whinny and longer trill. Roosts and nests in cavities, including nest boxes. Found in a variety of habitats with trees, particularly near water.


Screech Owl (Otus asio) - © Ken Czworka
Screech Owl (Otus asio) - © Ken Czworka


Great Horned Owl

(Bubo virginianus)


Snowy Owl

(Nyctea scandiaca)

The Snowy Owl can be found in Western New York during the winter months from late November through March.
They can be found along the Buffalo Waterfront, large, somewhat flat fields and even small airports in WNY.
Beautiful owl. Completely white with variable amount of black markings. In general, old males are the whitest, while immature females have the most dark markings. Favors lakeshores and coastal areas with fields, marshes, piers, and sand dunes in winter. Breeds on arctic tundra and irrupts south in numbers only some winters.


Snowy Owl (Nyctea scandiaca) - © Ken Czworka

Barred Owl

(Strix varia)

Large owl, mottled brown and white. Rounded head lacks ear tufts. Black eyes. Listen for its instantly recognizable “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all” call. Favors large, mature forests with deciduous and coniferous trees, often near water. Hunts small animals at night; however, is more active during the day than other owls.

Long-Eared Owl

(Asio otus)

Short-Eared Owl

(Asio flammeus)

Medium-sized owl, more frequently seen in the daytime than other owls. Especially active around dawn and dusk, when it flies lazily over open fields or marshes in search of small mammals. Overall rather pale brown, palest on belly, with streaks and spots on wings and chest. Large buffy patch near the wingtips easily visible in flight. Females darker brown than males. Rarely heard vocalizing away from breeding grounds, where it makes a low series of hoots and a variety of harsh barking noises.

Short Eared Owl (Asio flammeus) - © Ken Czworka
Short Eared Owl (Asio flammeus) - © Ken Czworka

Northern Saw-Whet Owl

(Aegolius acadicus)
Pint-sized owl of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico; found in northern forests and western mountains. Prefers areas with conifers and thick understory. Fairly common, but shy and difficult to see. Patterned with brown and white overall, with streaked white forehead and blotchy rusty-brown streaks below. No ear tufts. Migratory, but numbers of migrants fluctuate greatly from year to year. Named for its loud, repetitive whistles that sound like a saw being whetted (sharpened). Also gives a harsher, rising screech. Most similar to less common Boreal Owl. Saw-whet is smaller with streaks (not spots) on forehead and richer orange-brown streaks on underparts.

Northern Saw-Whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) - © David Malak