From Opus

Alternative name: Tengmalm's Owl

Aegolius funereus

Photo by Kevin J Purcell
Photo taken: Bias Drive, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA

[edit] Identification

The Boreal Owl is 22-27 cm long with a 50-62 cm wingspan. It is brown above, with white flecking on the shoulders. Below it is whitish streaked brown. The head is large, with yellow eyes and a white facial disc, and a "surprised" appearance. The flight is strong and direct. Young birds are chocolate brown.

[edit] Distribution

This bird breeds across northern North America and Eurasia, and in mountain ranges such as the Alps and the Rockies.

This species is not normally migratory, but in some autumns significant numbers move further south. It is rare any great distance south of its breeding range, although this is partly due to the problems of detecting this nocturnal owl outside the breeding season when it is not calling.

[edit] Taxonomy

This small owl is known as Tengmalm's Owl in Europe after the Swedish naturalist Peter Gustaf Tengmalm.

This species is a part of the larger grouping of owls known as typical owls, Strigidae, which contains most species of owl.

[edit] Habitat

Dense coniferous forests.

[edit] Behaviour

It is largely nocturnal

[edit] Diet

This smallish owl eats mainly voles and other mammals but also birds as well as insects and other invertebrates.

[edit] Breeding

It lays 3-6 eggs in a tree cavity.

[edit] Vocalisation

[edit] External Links