Northern Saw-Whet Owl

owls · tiny hunters · North America · night birds

Incredibly tiny owl. Northern saw-whet owls are some of the smallest owls in North America, so small they can perch right at eye level in dense bushes and thickets where you might spot one if you're lucky.

Saw-like call. These owls get their name from their distinctive call that sounds just like someone sharpening a saw, which is how people recognized and named them long ago.

Hidden in thickets. They love to hide in thick, brushy areas and tangled branches, usually staying within arm's reach of the ground, which makes them excellent at staying out of sight.

Hunted by bigger birds. Even though saw-whets are hunters themselves, larger birds of prey like hawks and eagles see them as tasty meals, so staying hidden is important for survival.

Wandering travelers. Unlike many birds, northern saw-whet owls migrate without following a strict pattern, meaning they move around in different ways from year to year.