The Boreal Owl is a small, square-headed owl of boreal forests that irrupts south into the northern US when prey populations crash. It nests in old woodpecker holes in aspen and spruce forests. Its ears are asymmetrically placed on its skull, giving it precise directional hearing to locate voles under snow. The chocolate brown back with white spots is distinctive.
Best time to see a Boreal Owl
The best time to see a Boreal Owl is January–March, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 385 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Boreal Owl? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Boreal Owl sightings near you
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