Aegolius acadicus
The northern saw-whet owl is common in Utah, but not often observed since it is active at night.
This small northern saw-whet owl was observed recently by Sandy resident Bill Whitmore. Whitmore was fortunate to discover its daytime roost in a tree in his yard.
Its defense upon discovery is to sit still. It can be found throughout Utah in all types of woodlands. It is a very small owl without ear tufts. The saw-whet weighs between 3 and 5 ounces and is 7 to 8 inches tall.
You can recognize the saw-whet from its piercing yellow eyes framed in a rounded white facial disc that is bordered in brown and white. Its mandible is black.
The northern saw-whet owl is vocal during the breeding season, between March and May. It is silent at other times of the year. The primary courtship call is a monotonous, whistled "hoop," which can be repeated for several hours without a break.
The saw-whet owl's name comes from the "skiew" alarm call. This sound has a resemblance to the whetting of a saw.
The main prey items of the northern saw-whet owl are mice, particularly deer mice. The mouse is usually divided into two meals.
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 (www.wild bird.com/layton). A free bird walk is being held Saturday at 10 a.m. to see the tundra swan migration. Call 801-525-8400 for more information.
