NORTHERN SPOTTED OWL.
Strix occidentalis caurina

IDENTIFICATION. The Latin word "occidentalis" can be translated as meaning 'being from the west' describing the home lands of the Spotted Owl.

There a 3 sub species of Spotted Owl -

Strix occidentailis caurina Northern Spotted Owl.
Strix occidentailis lucida  Mexican Spotted Owl.
Strix occidentailis occidentailis  California Spotted Owl. 

Plumage varies between two distinct regions. Birds from mountainous areas are lighter with more white spots than their darker coastal cousins.

Generally both sexes of Spotted Owl have white mottling of the breast feathers and dark brown plumage on the back and tops of the wings. White spots, turning to short horizontal bars, dot from the head and neck down the back and wings. The facial disc in reminisant of the related Tawny Owl. The head is round and the eyes are dark.

May be confused with the American Barred Owl, Strix varia.

DISTRIBUTION.  NW America, British Columbia, Washington, Colorado, Arizona, down to Mexico. Spotted Owls are found in fir forests, wooded ravines, and canyons.

FOOD.  Mammals, birds and insects.

BREEDING. March-September. 2 to 3 eggs laid in tree holes, rock cavities or deserted tree nests. Incubation take 28-30 days, flying 6 - 10 weeks later.

SIZE.  43-46 cm (17-18in)

WEIGHT. 520g-760g (1lb 3oz-1lb 11oz)

WINGSPAN. 114cm (45in)

CALL. Hoo hoo hoo hoo. Whistles and barks

FALCONRY.

 Not generally used in falconry.