Northern Spotted OwlKathryn WadeEcology-2nd PeriodFebruary 18, 2010

General FactsScientific Name: Strix occidentalismedium sized, brown in color with

spots. It is native to the west coast of

the United States but is mostly found in Washington state.

mainly in the Cascades and OlympicMountains.

General Factsprefer to roost in Douglas Fir trees that

are located next to sources of waterare adapted to the climate of the

deciduous forest biomeA pair of Northern Spotted Owls need

2,000-5,000 acres of undisturbed forest in order to have a proper habitat.

Nocturnal Predators◦They normally eat Northern Flying Squirrels

but can eat mice, rabbits, bats, small birds, reptiles, and even large invertebrates.

Nesting Habitsform long lasting pairs. They use the same nest for many

years before building new ones. However, they do not nest every year.◦Lay between 1-4 eggs ◦Incubation time: 30 days

N. Spotted Owls are normally 3 years old before they reproduce.

Do not migrate unless prey is in short supply

Reasons for EndangermentEndangered in CanadaWas listed as threatened in the U.S. in

1990In 1992, efforts were made to protect the

forests in which they liveClear cutting of old forestsIncrease in Barred Owl population

◦Can breed with Northern Spotted OwlsThe Northwest Forest Plan was created in

1994 to help with conserving the habitat of the Northern Spotted Owl.

Interesting FactsHas dark eyes instead of red-

orange or yellow like most owls species

Will occasionally hunt during the day

Can live to be 17 years old!Has a 3½ foot wingspan Average weight: 1-1½ pounds VERY territorial!!

Quiz 1. Name one mountain range in the U.S.

where Northern Spotted Owls can be found.

2. What is one animal that N. Spotted Owls like to hunt?

3. How old are N. Spotted Owls before they reproduce?

4. T of F: The Northern Spotted Owl is endangered in Canada and threatened in the U.S.

5. What is the main cause of their endangerment?

Works Citedhttp://www.birdweb.org/birdweb/bird_details.

aspx?id=248#wa_maphttp://library.thinkquest.org/2551/species/spo

ttedowl.htmlhttp://depts.washington.edu/natmap/facts/sp

otted_owl_k6.htmlhttp://www.defenders.org/wildlife_and_habita

t/wildlife/spotted_owl%2C_northern.phphttp://www.fws.gov/oregonfwo/Species/Data/

NorthernSpottedOwl/