Aegolius

Owl Information ... Index of Owl Species ... Photos of Various Owl Species for Identification

Aegolius is a small genus of owls with a range that is mostly restricted to the New World (the Americas), except for the Tengmalm's Owl with a range that extends into Eurasia.

Species and Ranges:

• • Tengmalm's Owl or Boreal Owl, Aegolius funereus
    • Northern North America and Eurasia, and in mountain ranges such as the Alps and the Rockies
   
  • Northern Saw-whet Owl, Aegolius acadicus
    • North America
   
  • Unspotted Saw-whet Owl, Aegolius ridgwayi
    • Central America, from southern Mexico south to western Panama
   
  • Buff-fronted Owl, Aegolius harrisii
    • South America, from Colombia south and east to Peru, northern Argentina and northwest Paraguay

Distribution / Range

These owls inhabit temperate or colder climates.

The northern species breed in North America’s coniferous forests. The southern species inhabit mountain cloud or oak forests.

These are mostly resident birds, although the northern species may move south or to lower altitudes in autumn.

Description

These owls are small, short tailed and broad winged. The head is large, with yellow eyes and a well-defined, large round facial disc.

They vary in size from 18-27 cm in length.

The plumage is dark brown or black above. Below they are whitish or buff, marked with either with streaks or spots in the two northern forms.

Their flight is strong and agile.

Diet / Feeding

They mostly feed on rodents and other small mammals; but will also take birds, bats, insects and other invertebrates (insects, worms, etc.).

Nesting / Breeding

They breed in tree cavities.

Calls / Vocalizations

During the breeding season, they make repetitive whistling calls.

Species Research by Sibylle Johnson

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