The Northern Hawk-Owl is a medium-sized owl with a distinctive hawk-like appearance, characterized by its long tail and predominantly diurnal hunting habits. It inhabits boreal forests across the Northern Hemisphere.
Where to spot
Boreal and sub-boreal forests, often near clearings, bogs, and open areas, across North America, Eurasia, and Scandinavia.
How to spot
Look for its distinctive hawk-like silhouette on a prominent perch, such as a treetop or power pole. Note its long tail, barred underparts, and facial pattern that gives it an alert, focused expression.
When to spot
Predominantly diurnal, making it active and observable throughout the day, especially during winter irruptions or the breeding season.
Where to spot
Boreal and sub-boreal forests, often near clearings, bogs, and open areas, across North America, Eurasia, and Scandinavia.
How to spot
Look for its distinctive hawk-like silhouette on a prominent perch, such as a treetop or power pole. Note its long tail, barred underparts, and facial pattern that gives it an alert, focused expression.
When to spot
Predominantly diurnal, making it active and observable throughout the day, especially during winter irruptions or the breeding season.
Credits:
Door Nummer 12 - Eigen werk, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29849349
True to its name, the Northern Hawk-Owl hunts much like a hawk, actively pursuing prey during daylight hours, a relatively rare trait among most owl species.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Essential cookies are necessary for basic functionality, while analytical cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.
Cookie Preferences
Customize your privacy settings
Choose which cookies you want to allow. Necessary cookies are always enabled for the basic functionality of the website. You can always change your preferences later via the cookie settings in the footer.
Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website, so we can improve it.