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Northern Spotted Owl. Kathryn Wade Ecology-2 nd Period February 18, 2010. General Facts. Scientific Name: Strix occidentalis medium sized, brown in color with spots. It is native to the west coast of the United States but is mostly found in Washington state. mainly in the
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Northern Spotted Owl Kathryn Wade Ecology-2nd Period February 18, 2010
General Facts • Scientific Name: Strixoccidentalis • medium sized, brown in color with spots. • It is native to the west coast of the United States but is mostly found in Washington state. • mainly in the Cascades and Olympic Mountains.
General Facts • prefer to roost in Douglas Fir trees that are located next to sources of water • are adapted to the climate of the deciduous forest biome • A pair of Northern Spotted Owls need 2,000-5,000 acres of undisturbed forest in order to have a proper habitat. • Nocturnal Predators • They normally eat Northern Flying Squirrels but can eat mice, rabbits, bats, small birds, reptiles, and even large invertebrates.
Nesting Habits • form long lasting pairs. • They use the same nest for many years before building new ones. However, they do not nest every year. • Lay between 1-4 eggs • Incubation time: 30 days • N. Spotted Owls are normally 3 years old before they reproduce. • Do not migrate unless prey is in short supply
Reasons for Endangerment • Endangered in Canada • Was listed as threatened in the U.S. in 1990 • In 1992, efforts were made to protect the forests in which they live • Clear cutting of old forests • Increase in Barred Owl population • Can breed with Northern Spotted Owls • The Northwest Forest Plan was created in 1994 to help with conserving the habitat of the Northern Spotted Owl.
Interesting Facts • Has dark eyes instead of red-orange or yellow like most owls species • Will occasionally hunt during the day • Can live to be 17 years old! • Has a 3½ foot wingspan • Average weight: 1-1½ pounds • VERY territorial!!
Quiz • Name one mountain range in the U.S. where Northern Spotted Owls can be found. • What is one animal that N. Spotted Owls like to hunt? • How old are N. Spotted Owls before they reproduce? • T of F: The Northern Spotted Owl is endangered in Canada and threatened in the U.S. • What is the main cause of their endangerment?
Works Cited • http://www.birdweb.org/birdweb/bird_details.aspx?id=248#wa_map • http://library.thinkquest.org/2551/species/spottedowl.html • http://depts.washington.edu/natmap/facts/spotted_owl_k6.html • http://www.defenders.org/wildlife_and_habitat/wildlife/spotted_owl%2C_northern.php • http://www.fws.gov/oregonfwo/Species/Data/NorthernSpottedOwl/