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Northern Hawk Owl

Introduction

The Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula) is one of the most fascinating owls in North America. With its long tail, narrow body, and daytime hunting habits, this unique bird often gets mistaken for a hawk—hence the name! Found mostly in the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska, the Northern Hawk Owl combines the stealth of an owl with the speed and agility of a hawk.

Where Do Northern Hawk Owls Live?

Northern Hawk Owls prefer the remote coniferous forests of North America’s far north. In the U.S., they are occasionally seen in northern states like Minnesota, Montana, and sometimes Washington, especially during winter irruptions when food is scarce up north.

Their ideal habitat includes:

Open woodlands and forest edges
Burned or logged areas with standing dead trees (perfect perches!)
Cold, subarctic climates

One of the Few Owls Active in Daylight

Most owls are nocturnal, but the Northern Hawk Owl is diurnal, meaning it hunts during the day. Its exceptional eyesight allows it to spot prey from long distances—even in broad daylight.

They typically perch at the tops of trees, scanning the open landscape for movement below.

What Do Northern Hawk Owls Eat?

These owls are expert hunters and feed mainly on:

Voles and small rodents (their favorite!)
Small birds
Occasionally amphibians and insects

Their hunting style is very hawk-like: they dive swiftly from a perch, grab their prey with sharp talons, and return to a branch to feed.

Breeding and Nesting Habits

Northern Hawk Owls typically breed from late March through May, nesting in tree cavities—often those left behind by woodpeckers—or broken-off tree trunks.

The female lays 5 to 13 eggs.
Both parents help feed the young.
Chicks fledge in about 3 to 5 weeks.

Because they nest in open areas, their nests can be vulnerable to predators like ravens and squirrels.

Sound and Call

The Northern Hawk Owl's call is a rapid series of high-pitched “klee-klee-klee” notes, especially heard during breeding season. Males are particularly vocal when defending their territory.

Fun Facts About Northern Hawk Owls

Despite living in the cold north, they don’t migrate long distances—most stay year-round in their range.
Their eyesight is so sharp that they can detect prey up to half a mile away.
The Northern Hawk Owl is the only owl in its genus, Surnia.

Why They Matter

These owls are excellent indicators of healthy northern forest ecosystems. When small mammal populations are stable, Northern Hawk Owls thrive. Their presence helps balance rodent populations naturally.

Final Thoughts

The Northern Hawk Owl may not be as well-known as some other owls, but its bold personality, unique appearance, and daytime activity make it a standout species. Whether you’re a birdwatcher or just someone who loves wild creatures, spotting one of these rare owls is a real treat.

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