We are small owls of boreal and montane forests, we are found throughout Alaska and Canada, and across northern Eurasia, as well. Also, we can be found in the lower 48 states only in the mountains of the West, in extreme northern Minnesota, and as an occasional winter visitor to the northern states.
We find our prey by sound. We can locate mice even through vegetation and under snow.
Our ear openings on our skulls are asymmetrical, with one opening high up on the skull and the other much lower. The different positions of the holes help us to find exactly where a sound comes from, helping gauge height as well as distance.
We are usually considered monogamous, with one male mating with one female. Several studies in Europe found that one male may mate with up to three females and a female occasionally mates with two different males.
They found that such multiple mating occurs most frequently when mice numbers are at their highest. (Finding easy prey to feed the young means that less help is needed in raising young owls.) When mice numbers were low, we were all monogamous.
Our size is 8 to 11 inches.
We have a wing span of 22 to 24 inches. And we weight in between 3 1/4 and 8 ounces. We aren't very big!
Snoozing in the afternoon sun.
Heavenly!
Watching Common Redpoles is hard work!!!
Here are some interesting facts about us....
* Small owl.
* No ear tufts.
* White face outlined in black.
* Fine spots on top of head.
* Underparts dirty white, streaked with brown.
* Bill yellow.
* Eyes yellow.
* Back brown with large white spots.
* Legs and toes completely feathered.
Now....this is very interesting, we are quite unique!
Our females are much larger than the males. Our species shows the most extreme reversed sexual dimorphism of any American owl.
Told you....we are unique!
We are found in the above brown area....all year around.
We have 100's of Redpoles that flock to feeders, in the yard, in the winter....the ground is covered with them.
Delightful!
An extra long nap is in order!.
Aegolius Funereus
We live in boreal forests with spruce, aspen, poplar, birch, and balsam fir.
We have a clutch of 2 - 6 white eggs.
At birth, our chicks are helpless, their eyes closed and are covered in white down.
We eat small mammals, birds, and insects.
We nest in tree cavities, usually old woodpecker holes, we add no nesting material. We, also use nesting boxes.
Not a lot here....must have seen me sitting in this tree!
Drat!
Conservation Status
We are widespread and common in boreal forest, but reliable population estimates not available. We are considered a "sensitive" species in ranges in United States outside of Alaska. We rely on mature and dead trees for nesting sites and so we are sensitive to clear cutting.
