Aegolius acadicus

The northern saw-whet owl can be found throughout Utah in all types of woodlands. It is a small owl without ear tufts, weighing between 2.3 and 5.3 ounces and standing 7 to 8 inches tall.

Once discovered, the saw-whet's defense is to sit still and not fly. It is recognized by its piercing yellow eyes framed in a rounded white facial disc that is bordered in brown and white. The mandible is black.

Mice, particularly deer mice, are its main prey. Like other owls, saw-whets cast up pellets of undigested hair and bone. These pellets reveal the owl's fare.

The female northern saw-whet owl incubates and broods the young. The male brings all her food while she is incubating. She leaves the eggs for only one or two short trips each night, to defecate and cough up a pellet.

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* BILL FENIMORE is owner of the Layton Wild Bird Center. Visit http://www.wildlife. utah.gov/bird sightings.