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Overview
Northern hawk-owl

Northern hawk-owl

Wikipedia

The northern hawk-owl, or northern hawk owl, is a medium-sized true owl of the northern latitudes. It is non-migratory and usually stays within its breeding range, though it sometimes irrupts southward. It is one of the few owls that is neither nocturnal nor crepuscular, being active only during the day. This is the only living species in the genus Surnia of the family Strigidae, the "typical" owls. The species is sometimes called simply the hawk owl; however, many species of owls in the genus Ninox are also called "hawk owls".

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Distribution

Region

Holarctic boreal forests (taiga) of North America and Eurasia

Typical Environment

Occurs across Alaska and Canada through Scandinavia and northern Russia, favoring open coniferous and mixed forests with scattered trees. It frequents bogs, muskeg, peatlands, burn areas, and forest edges where prey is abundant. Perches on treetops or snags to scan for small mammals, then makes swift, direct strikes. In some years it irrupts southward following rodent population cycles but typically remains within the boreal zone.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2000 m

Climate Zone

Continental

Characteristics

Size35–45 cm
Wing Span70–80 cm
Male Weight0.35 kg
Female Weight0.45 kg
Life Expectancy10 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

One of the few truly diurnal owls, the northern hawk-owl often hunts in full daylight with a hawk-like flight and long tail. It is the only living species in the genus Surnia. Populations can irrupt southward in winters when rodent numbers crash, making it an exciting but irregular sight farther from the boreal zone.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo
... presumably the darker North American subspecies caparoch

... presumably the darker North American subspecies caparoch

At Prague Zoo

At Prague Zoo

Eggs, Collection Museum Wiesbaden

Eggs, Collection Museum Wiesbaden

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

strong flier with swift, direct, hawk-like flight

Social Behavior

Usually encountered alone or in breeding pairs; pairs defend territories vigorously. Nests in tree cavities, broken snags, or occasionally old stick nests. Breeding success often tracks vole abundance, with some pairs skipping breeding in poor rodent years.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

The male gives a rapid series of clear, whistled notes that carry far over open forest. Calls also include sharp alarms and chattering rattles, especially near the nest.

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