The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a tiny, irresistible owl the size of a robin with a huge round head, yellow eyes, and streaked brown-and-white plumage. Its name comes from one of its calls that resembles the sound of a saw being sharpened on a whetstone. It is far more common than most people realize — many thousands are captured and banded during fall migration at banding stations.
Best time to see a Northern Saw-whet Owl
The best time to see a Northern Saw-whet Owl is October–February, when about 67% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 3,617 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Northern Saw-whet Owl? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Northern Saw-whet Owl sightings near you
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