Sawwhet

Sawwhet refers to a genus of small owls in the family Strigidae. The most well-known species, and the one from which the genus name is derived, is the Northern Sawwhet Owl (Aegolius acadicus). These owls are characterized by their small size, compact build, and distinctive facial discs.

The Northern Sawwhet Owl is found across much of North America, inhabiting forests and woodlands. They are nocturnal predators, feeding primarily on small mammals like voles and mice, as well as insects. Their plumage typically consists of brown and white streaking, providing excellent camouflage within their arboreal environment. Sawwhets are known for their high-pitched, whistled call, which is often described as sounding like "too-too-too" or "saw-whet," hence their common name.

Another species within the genus is the Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus), which has a circumpolar distribution across the Northern Hemisphere. Boreal Owls are similar in size to Northern Sawwhets but tend to have darker plumage with more prominent white spots on their heads. Their diet also consists mainly of small mammals, particularly lemmings in their northernmost ranges. Both species are generally secretive and can be difficult to spot, often detected by their vocalizations. They are important components of their respective ecosystems, helping to regulate populations of their prey.