Birdsong field guide
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Aegolius acadicus
One of North America's smallest and most reclusive owls, the Northern Saw-whet is a pint-sized nocturnal predator with a large rounded head and distinctive white facial 'V'.
What it sounds like
A monotonous, rhythmic series of high-pitched 'toot' notes, repeated about twice per second.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Field notes
- It is roughly the size of an American Robin and weighs about the same as a deck of cards.
- The bird's name comes from its alarm call, which early settlers thought sounded like a saw being sharpened on a whetstone.
- During the day, it roosts in dense conifers at eye level, relying on its mottled brown plumage to remain undetected.
- This species is highly migratory, with thousands moving south through the Great Lakes and Atlantic coast each autumn.
- They are strictly nocturnal and possess exceptional low-light vision and asymmetrical ear openings for pinpointing prey.
Habitat
Dense coniferous or mixed hardwood forests, often near swamps or riverside thickets.
Range
Breeds across Southern Canada and the Northern United States, wintering as far south as Central Mexico.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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