Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) (Latin Name), Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge, Kohen Ranch, Mohave County

This Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) was discovered and photographed by Eric Hough on 28 October 2012.  It was first discovered roosting in a tamarisk patch by Eric and then observed concurrently by many on the AZFO mini-expedition led by David Vander Pluym through this location. The rodent that the owl is clutching in one of the photos appears to be a cactus mouse (Peromyscus eremicus) based on the orange-yellow rear flanks and long, sparsely-haired tail, along with range maps that separate out similar species. This may be the first documentation of this mouse species as a prey item of Northern Saw-whet Owls on their wintering grounds.

Casual in Lower Colorado River Valley and at Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge. Considered an irregular winter visitor to lower elevations in southern and western Arizona.

Light-brown vertical streaking on the breast, yellow iris on the eyes, and lack of dark framing around the face identify this bird as an adult Northern Saw-whet Owl and separate it from the similar Boreal Owl, which has never been recorded in Arizona.

 

28 October 2012, photo by Eric Hough

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