About the Spotted Owl
The spotted owl is a species of true owl. It is a resident species of old-growth forests in western North America, where it nests in tree hollows, old bird of prey nests, or rock crevices. Nests can be between 12 and 60 metres from the ground, and usually contain two eggs. It is a nocturnal owl which feeds on small mammals and birds. Three subspecies are recognized, ranging in distribution from British Columbia to Mexico. The spotted owl is under pressure from habitat destruction throughout its range, and is currently classified as a near-threatened species.
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ID tip
The spotted owl has an average length of 43 cm (17 in), wingspan of 114 cm (45 in), and weight of 600 g (1.3 lb). Its eggs are a little over 50 mm (2.0 in) long, and are white and smooth with a slightly grainy texture. The spotted owl is similar in appearance to the barred owl, but has cross-shaped markings on the underparts, whereas the barred owl is alternately barred on the breast and streaked on the belly. Barred owls are larger and grayer than spotted owls. In recent years, the California and northern subspecies of spotted owl have been displaced by barred owls (S.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Spotted Owl lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States.
When to see the Spotted Owl
Peak activity in July · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Cinereous OwlStrix sartoriiVery few specimens of cinereous owl have been measured.
Desert OwlStrix hadoramiThe desert owl or desert tawny owl, formerly known as Hume's owl, is a species of owl.
Omani OwlStrix butleriThe Omani owl has a bi-coloured pale and dark grey face with orange eyes, dark greyish brown upperparts, pale underparts with long, narrow vertical dark streaks, relatively long legs, banded wings, and a banded tail.
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