The Northern Saw-whet Owl is covered in deep brown feathers and is small in size for an owl.
These small owls make their nests in various forest habitats and roost throughout the day.
Males will sometimes mate with several different females during the breeding season, but these birds are primarily monogamous and will form breeding pairs.
These breeding pairs change from year to year but they will often stay together outside of the breeding season to help each other defend their territory.
Their breeding season is from the end of January to the beginning of May which is when you will hear their distinct too-too-too mating call.
When a female enters a male’s territory, he will circle around her in flight 20 times before moving down to her and gifting her with a prey item.
They prey item is most commonly a rodent such as a lemming or a mouse.
These birds are often preyed upon by larger species of owls so have to be careful when they are hunting.
These owls can be found across the whole state of Colorado, but when you will see them depends upon the region of the state.
To the western half of the state, Northern Saw-whet owls are permanent residents and can be seen throughout the year in this area of Colorado.
Whereas to the eastern half of the state, you will only see these birds outside of their breeding season.
So, if you are hoping to see one of these birds in the winter months you are best trying to see one in the eastern half of Colorado as this is where they expand their hunting search to.