Northern Hawk Owl

Overview
Northern Hawk Owl: Medium-sized, slender owl with white-spotted brown upperparts and brown-barred white underparts. The gray facial disk is partially bordered by a thick, brown stripe that extends to the upper breast; lacks ear tufts. Wings are long and relatively pointed. Tail is long and rounded.

Range and Habitat
Northern Hawk Owl: Found across Canada and central and eastern Alaska. During winter months, there is some southward movement to the northernmost states. Prefers edges of burns, open areas cleared by lumbering, and sparse woodlands.

The Northern Hawk Owl has a large range, estimated globally at 10,000,000 square kilometers. Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, this bird prefers grassland, wetland, forest, and shrubland ecosystems. The global population of this bird is estimated at 130,000 individuals and does not show signs of decline that would necessitate inclusion on the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the current evaluation status of the Northern Hawk Owl is Least Concern.

INTERESTING FACTS
The Northern Hawk Owl is also known as the Canadian Owl and Hudsonian Hawk Owl. Their feathers are stiff, unlike those of nocturnal owl species. This means their flight is not completely silent. They have little fear of humans, and will attack if their young are approached too closely. A group of owls has many collective nouns, including a "bazaar", "glaring", "parliament", "stooping", and "wisdom" of owls.