Home >> Science & Nature >> Animals & Science

How to Identify a Northern Spotted Owl

Northern Spotted Owls inhabit old-growth forests along the west coast of North America, from northwestern California northward into British Columbia. Since this species of owl is classified as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), sightings are rare. Male and female Spotted Owls have identical plumage, but the females are usually slightly larger than the males. They can be misidentified as the closely related Barred Owl. Spotted Owls interbreed with Barred Owls, producing hybrids with a mix of features, making identification even trickier.

Instructions

- 1
  Check the owl's size. Spotted Owls range from 16 1/2 to 19 inches in length and have an average wingspan of approximately 40 inches. Their tail length is about 9 inches.
- 2
  Examine the owl's head. Northern Spotted Owls do not have ear tufts. Their eyes are dark brown, unlike most owls, whose eyes range from yellow to reddish orange. Additionally, their eyes are flanked by white facial disks that resemble half-circles, and the owls have a series of dark bars that stretch from their eyes to the edge of their facial disk. Their beak is yellowish green and the top and back of their head is dark brown with white spots.
- 3
  Look at the back of the owl. Spotted owls' dark brown coloring and white flecks continue down their back to their tail.
- 4
  Check the owl's underside. These types of owls have a whitish underside with brown bars along their chest and belly. The underside of their wings also is white. Their feet are dark brown and feathered.

Animals & Science