Tiny but Mighty: Meet the Northern Saw-whet Owl

Birdorable Northern Saw-whet Owl

Today, we're excited to introduce one of the most adorable avian species you're likely to encounter: the Northern Saw-whet Owl. With its big, captivating eyes and small stature, it measures just 7 to 8 inches (17.8 to 20.3 cm), making this the smallest owl in Eastern North America. 

The origins of its unique name stem from a charming mix-up. A member of the National Audubon Society once heard the call of a Barn Owl, which is reminiscent of a saw being sharpened on a whetting stone, and mistakenly thought it was the call of this smaller owl. Thus, the name "Saw-whet Owl" was born.

Since 1997, the Ned Smith Center in Pennsylvania has spearheaded crucial research into the movements and ecology of the Saw-whet Owl. Every autumn, a dedicated team comprising both researchers and volunteers engages in a remarkable project. They gently catch, band, and release hundreds of these owls across three banding stations in central Pennsylvania. This research effort has been incredibly successful; over the years, more than 5,000 owls have been banded, significantly enhancing our understanding of the migration patterns and behaviors of this elusive species.

The findings from this research have been instrumental in shedding light on the secretive life of the Saw-whet Owl, helping to map its movements and contribute to its conservation. To dive deeper into this fascinating project and learn more about these captivating creatures, be sure to visit the Saw-whet Owl Research Blog.

Photo of Saw-whet Owl

Northern Saw-Whet Owl by Andy Witchger (CC BY 2.0 DEED)

Northern saw-whet owl by Kristina Servant (CC BY 2.0 DEED)

Cute Saw-whet Owl Gifts

Comments

Canaduck on December 7, 2009 at 8:40 PM wrote:
I love Saw-whets! So excited you made a Birdorable!
Birdorable on December 7, 2009 at 8:53 PM wrote:
I'm glad you like it Canaduck. I saw my first Saw-whet Owl at a raptor rehabilitation center this summer and I loved it so much ... it was the cutest thing I'd ever seen. I'd love to see one of these in the wild once! :)
Ashira on December 8, 2009 at 8:51 AM wrote:
How ADORABLE. <3 So many owls! : D
Cat on December 13, 2009 at 8:49 AM wrote:
Thanks! They are so cute, and getting cuter!
NatureFootstep on December 19, 2009 at 3:34 PM wrote:
this owl is very sweet. :)
little bird on October 21, 2010 at 12:56 PM wrote:
Aw, that is the cutest!
Louise Warner on February 23, 2017 at 8:21 AM wrote:
they are Birdorable!!!
Spurwing Plover on May 22, 2022 at 5:44 AM wrote:
I read their name comes from their call which resembles the sharpening of a wet saw on a stone

Leave a comment

Comments with links or HTML will be deleted. Your comment will be published pending approval.
Your email address will not be published

The Marvelous Spatuletail: A Tiny Bird with an Impressive Display

Our 2023 Birdorable Bonanza continues today with a tiny bird that makes a big impression with its impressive tail. It's the Marvelous Spatuletail! Our newest addition to the Birdorable hummingbird family, this rare, endangered species is native to a small area in northern Peru, where it thrives in the humid montane forest habitat.

New Coloring Pages for Warbler Week

New World warblers are famous for their fabulous colors, especially during spring migration when the birds have their fresh breeding plumage. For Warbler Week we've added five new warbler coloring pages to our free downloads collection: Direct link to the coloring pages:

Martha Week: Fold the Flock

Monday, September 1st will mark the 100 year anniversary of the death of Martha, the last of her species, the Passenger Pigeon. With her death our planet lost another species forever to extinction. This week we'd like to share some of the commemorative events and educational opportunities...

More Gull Frequently Asked Questions

When we had our first Gull Week in 2015, we answered some Frequently Asked Questions About Gulls. Today we're going to answer a few more fun FAQs about the species in this family of seabirds! What do gulls eat? Are...