The Spotted Owl is an old-growth forest specialist whose dependence on large-diameter trees and complex forest structure made it the symbol of the 1990s Pacific Northwest logging controversy. It is now facing an additional threat from the invasive Barred Owl, which has expanded into its range and is displacing it competitively. Three subspecies occur in the US, all of concern.
Habitat
Old-growth and mature coniferous forests of the West
Diet
Flying squirrels, woodrats, and other small mammals
How common
Rare
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