Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

Northern saw-whet owl. Photo: John and Karen Hollingsworth, USFWS

This small, somewhat secretive, strictly nocturnal owl is found in dense coniferous forests and tamarack muskegs. During the winter, the saw-whet prefers to roost on the outermost branches of coniferous trees, and its presence, as well as its diet, can be deduced by the regurgitated pellets and white "wash" which accumulates at the base of its roost.

Distribution of Northern Saw-whet Owl in Canada