The Boreal Owl is a small, square-headed owl of boreal forests that irrupts south into the northern US when prey populations crash. It nests in old woodpecker holes in aspen and spruce forests. Its ears are asymmetrically placed on its skull, giving it precise directional hearing to locate voles under snow. The chocolate brown back with white spots is distinctive.
Habitat
Boreal spruce-fir forests and montane forests of the northern US
Diet
Voles, mice, and small birds
How common
Uncommon
Recent Boreal Owl sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Boreal Owl? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free