The Raptors of Iowa

Northern Saw-whet Owl

+฀80฀+ northern saw-whet owl Aegolius acadicus This, the smallest owl found in Iowa, is a visitor from farther north; it is reported every year starting in early October. It is not known to nest here. However, it nests close to the northeast corner of Iowa, where there is plenty of favorable habitat. The boreal owl, Aegolius funereus, a resident of boreal forests , is a bit bigger than the saw-whet owl, just as tame, and much rarer, with only one record from Iowa: Black Hawk County in November 2004. This bird was swept in with the dramatic owl invasion that occurred in northern states in the winter of 2004–05. qr +฀81฀+ ...