Northern Hawk-Owl
Credit: Larry Bond

North American field guide

Northern Hawk-Owl

Surnia ulula

Also known as:Hawk Owl

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Identification

Field notes

36-46 cm (14-18") Uncommon. Muskegs, boreal forests, roadsides, fields.

Medium-sized grayish falcon-like owl with a long tail. Yellow eyes on a black-bordered facial disk. Underparts are heavily barred in brown.

More of a daytime hunter than other owls.

Low swift flight often swooping up to an exposed perch. Often jerks tail up and down or keeps it cocked up at an angle.

Tame and easily approached.

Song: chattering "kikikiki", also a scream.

Watch and learn

Videos

2 videos
Bird Advisor Identification rules 1 variant 1 rule

These are the observation paths the Bird Advisor can use to identify this species. Each rule is an alternative match.

Northern Hawk-Owl

1 rule
Rule 1 8 criteria confidence 2
Did the owl have EAR TUFTS ?
No · Unknown
What SIZE was the TAIL ?
Medium · Long · Very Long · Unknown
What SHAPE was the BILL ?
Hooked · Unknown
What LENGTH was the BILL ?
Very short · Short · Unknown
What colour were the EYES ?
White or light gray · Yellow or olive · Unknown
What was the predominant colour of the HEAD ?
Brown, or chestnut (reddish-brown) · Gray, or blue-gray · Black, purple, or dark · Unknown
How BIG was the bird ?
Pigeon-sized · Crow-sized
What TYPE of bird was seen ?
Owl