Northern Hawk Owl
Surnia ulula
Also known as: Hawk Owl
The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium-sized owl of the boreal forests spanning North America, Northern Europe, and Asia, named for its falcon-like silhouette, long tail, and swift, direct flight. Unlike most owls, it is largely diurnal, hunting by daylight from a conspicuous perch atop a spruce or pine before dropping onto prey moving through open ground or beneath snow.
Northern Hawk Owl Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions About the Northern Hawk Owl
Unlike most owls, the Northern Hawk Owl is largely diurnal. Long summer days at high latitudes mean prey is often most active in daylight, so the species has adapted to hunt by sight from prominent perches rather than relying solely on nocturnal hunting.
The Northern Hawk Owl can be found in North America, Northern Europe, and Asia and is most often associated with Boreal forest, taiga, and forest edges.
The Northern Hawk Owl feeds on Voles, small mammals, and small birds and is considered a carnivore.
The Northern Hawk Owl is currently listed as Least Concern, with a stable population trend. Main threats include habitat loss and climate change affecting boreal forest.
The Northern Hawk Owl is usually solitary.
The Northern Hawk Owl is typically diurnal.
The Northern Hawk Owl is resident, with irruptive movements south in harsh winters.
The main threats facing the Northern Hawk Owl include Habitat loss from logging and Climate change affecting boreal forest.
The Northern Hawk Owl population trend is currently stable.
Well-known places to look for the Northern Hawk Owl include Finnish and Swedish Lapland and Boreal Canada.
Natural predators of the Northern Hawk Owl include Great Grey Owls and Goshawks.
A prized sighting among birders due to its rarity outside the far north and its unusual daytime hunting behaviour.
The Northern Hawk Owl is part of the Strigidae family and a Strigiformes order.
The Northern Hawk Owl weighs about 0.3 kg, stands around 36 cm tall, reaches about 40 cm in length, and has a wingspan of about 90 cm.
