The spotted owl is a species of true owl. It is a resident species of old-growth forests in western North America, where it nests in tree hollows, old bird of prey nests, or rock crevices. Nests can be between 12 and 60 metres high and usually contain two eggs. It is a nocturnal owl which feeds on small mammals and birds. Three subspecies are recognized, ranging in distribution from British Columbia to Mexico. The spotted owl is under pressure from habitat destruction throughout its range, and is currently classified as a near-threatened species.
Region
Western North America
Typical Environment
Found from southwestern British Columbia through Washington, Oregon, and California, and inland through the interior Southwest to the mountains and canyons of northern and central Mexico. Prefers extensive tracts of mature or old-growth coniferous and mixed-evergreen forests with high canopy cover and multi-layered structure. In the Southwest and Mexico it occupies steep, forested canyons and montane woodlands. Often selects areas with large trees, broken canopies, and abundant snags for nesting and roosting. Forages beneath the canopy and along forest edges.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2700 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Three subspecies are recognized: Northern, California, and Mexican spotted owls. They depend on mature and old-growth forests with complex structure, making them highly sensitive to logging and fragmentation. Competition and displacement by the invasive (range-expanding) Barred Owl further threaten populations, and several subspecies are federally listed as threatened in the United States.
Mexican spotted owl, Fort Huachuca, Arizona
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
silent flier with short, steady wingbeats and brief glides through dense forest
Social Behavior
Typically forms long-term monogamous pairs that defend large territories. Nests in tree cavities, broken-topped snags, old raptor nests, or cliff crevices; often reuses nest sites. Clutch size is usually 1–3 eggs, commonly two, with low productivity in poor prey years.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of deep, resonant hoots, often in a four-note pattern; pairs may duet. Calls also include barks and rising hoots used in territorial and contact contexts.
