Owls

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

A tiny, round-headed owl with a large flat facial disc and no ear tufts. Its repetitive tooting call is a signature sound of Kodiak's spruce forests at night. Surprisingly common but rarely seen.

Where to look

Coniferous forests throughout Kodiak Island, particularly at Fort Abercrombie and in riparian spruce groves.

Habitat

Dense coniferous and mixed forests.

Diet

Mice, voles, and small birds.

Natural history note

Northern Saw-whet Owls get their name from one of their calls, which sounds like the whetting (sharpening) of a large saw blade.