Although uncommon, this medium-sized owl breeds over most of northern Alberta and south along the mountains to Banff. In winter it is occasionally seen as far south as the Montana border. These sporadic irruptions are good times to spot these owls as well as Boreal and Great Gray Owls which also wander in winters when prey is scarce.
The Northern Hawk Owl is a bird of the forest. Unlike most other owls, it is often active during the day. Look for it on high treetops, where it makes characteristic swooping flights in search of prey. Like some accipiter hawks, this owl can wing its way nimbly through the forest.
Any small mammal scurrying about in a forest clearing might be a meal for the watchful owl. In summer, small mammals are the usual meal, and in winter, grouse, ptarmigan and rabbits may be taken as well.
Large tree cavities, such as those made in previous years by Pileated Woodpeckers are prime real estate for these owls when nesting time comes around. Unlike other owls, they occasionally make their own crude nest of branches. Four to seven white eggs are incubated for up to a month. Young are fledged about a month later.
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Where to find Northern Hawk Owls in Alberta
This species does not occur in the Weaselhead/Glenmore Park area. However, anything can happen. So if you should happen to spot one, please let us know immediately using the form below and please call the Calgary Rare Bird Alert line at 403-237-8821. Brent Johner
Please Report the Northern Hawk Owls You See in Alberta
Our readers are always interested in hearing about the wildlife you see in Alberta.
No observations regarding Northern Hawk Owl behavior have been submitted to the database yet.
Interesting Facts about Northern Hawk Owls
No interesting facts regarding Northern Hawk Owls have been submitted to the database yet.
Northern Hawk Owl Stories from our Readers
On one of our many drives past Bragg Creek into K Country we spotted this hawk-like owl on a tree top along Hwy 66 just past the Bragg Creek turnoff and almost at the K Country gate. It made gliding swoops between tree tops (which is characteristic of them as they hunt more by sight than sound). We spotted it again a couple of hours later on our return, so maybe it will hang out there all winter (Dec 2004). Nora Bryan
Northern Hawk Owl Sounds
No sounds for this species in our library at this time.
SHAUNEEN O'BRIEN
for serving as the TALK ABOUT WILDLIFE Administrator this year