Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests
Crooked River National Grassland

Birds

Birds of Prey - Owls

Owl species vary in size, but typically have large, round heads, with forward-facing eyes framed by a feathered facial disk. They have wide wings, short tails, lightweight bodies, and unusually soft, fluffy body feathers. Owls have binocular vision, their eyes are fixed in sockets so they are only able to see what is in front of them. An owl's diet consists of rodents and small mammals. Their digestive system makes use of the nutritious portions of the prey, and the undigested parts (hair, bones, claws, teeth, etc.) are regurgitated in the form of a pellet.

The following owls are found in Central Oregon:

Barn Owl (Tyto alba) Y

RANGE: Resident from southwestern British Columbia, southern Idaho, and Montana east to southern Vermont and Massachusetts south through the United States to South America. Northernmost populations are partially migratory, wintering south to southern Mexico and the West Indies.

STATUS: Uncommon; overall population level is low, but stable. North American birds represented by T.a. pratincola subspecies.

HABITAT: Found in open to semi-open habitats such as prairie, farmland, savannah, marshland, and desert, but prefers the vicinity of farms and towns. Avoids woodlands and higher elevations.

SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Abundant supply of small mammals for food, and hollow trees, old buildings, barns, cavities, or caves for nesting and roosting. Strongest Oregon nesting habitat association with urban and residential areas and the edges of cropland, pasture and orchard.

NEST: Nests in a variety of sites, but does not construct a nest. Favors natural tree hollows, especially in live oaks near a marshy meadow. Typically nests in old barns, church and school steeples, silos, or abandoned buildings. Also uses protected ledges along cliff faces, abandoned underground burrows of badgers, woodchucks, or other mammals, caves, cavities in high stream banks (8 to 10 feet above water level), abandoned nests of crows, hawks, or magpies, and artificial nest sites. Will return to the same nest site year after year if undisturbed.

FOOD: Hunts by night over marshes, meadows, fields, barnyards, brushy areas, pastures, and other open areas for small mammals, especially mice, and occasionally small birds and large insects. Also eats some frogs, snakes, lizards, and crayfish.

IN CENTRAL OREGON: Uncommon permanent resident. Most often found in agricultural areas nesting in abandoned barns and outbuildings. Only three recent confirmed breeding records for the region, one in central Crook County and two in north central Jefferson County. Young found still in the nest as late as early August. Likely nests in rimrock throughout the region, and has nested at Ft. Rock in northern Lake County, although difficult to detect due to nocturnal feeding habits.

REFERENCES: Adamus et al. 2001, Coats in Farrand 1983b, DeGraff et al. 1980, Hawbecker 1945, Heintzelman 1979, Johnsgard 1979, Karalus and Eckert 1974, Marshall et al. 2003, Miller 1999, Shunk 2004, Tate and Tate 1982.

Barred Owl (Strix varia) Y

RANGE: Resident from southern and eastern British Columbia, northern Washington, and extreme northwestern Montana east to central Saskatchewan, and from southern Manitoba and central Ontario to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, south to central and southern Texas, the Gulf Coast, southern Florida, and northern Mexico. Northernmost populations are partially migratory.

STATUS: Common to uncommon. Unknown which of the three North American subspecies occurs in Oregon.

HABITAT: Prefers dense woodlands bordering lakes, streams, swamps, marshes, or low meadows. Favors oak woodlands or mixed forests free of a dense understory but also inhabits deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests. May also inhabit isolated woodlots with numerous mature trees.

SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Cool, damp lowlands with large cavity trees 20 inches dbh or greater for nesting. Strongest Oregon nesting habitat association in Douglas Fir/White Oak forest.

NEST: Typically nests in a large cavity in a dead tree; may nest in abandoned hawk, crow, or squirrel nests if cavities are scarce. Generally chooses tall, old trees with cavities at least 25 feet above the ground, and in the forest interior. May use the same nest site for many years.

FOOD: Hunts for prey over open fields, clearings, and wetlands near woodlands. Feeds on a wide variety of animals, especially mice and other small mammals; also eats birds (from warblers to grouse and other species of owls), fishes, frogs, salamanders, lizards, snakes, crayfish, scorpions, snails, spiders, and large insects.

IN CENTRAL OREGON: Very rare possible resident of pine and mixed coniferous forests in the Eastern Cascades. Recent breeding records in the region almost exclusively from western Deschutes County. Breeding confirmed in two locations near Bend and Mt. Bachelor in 1996, although scant information exists from these records. Reported sporadically west of Sisters. Recorded in the Cascades since 1979. Hybridizes with Spotted Owl, and, since both occur in the region, hybrids may also occur.

REFERENCES: Adamus et al. 2001, DeGraff et al. 1980, Dunstan and Sample 1972, Heintzelman 1979, Johnsgard 1979, Karalus and Eckert 1974, Marshall et al. 2003, Miller 1999, Nicholls and Warner 1972, Shunk 2004.

Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus) W

RANGE: Breeds from central Alaska and central Yukon to central Quebec and Labrador, south to northern British Columbia and central Alberta, across to northeastern Minnesota, western and central Ontario, southern Quebec and New Brunswick; also to central Colorado and northeastern Wyoming in the Rocky Mountains.

STATUS: Local and uncommon in United States, with A.f. richardsoni the regular North American subspecies.

HABITAT: Occurs in mixed coniferous-hardwood forests, but prefers extensive growth of stunted spruce in close proximity to open grasslands. Also inhabits dense alder thickets and forest edges.

SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Abandoned woodpecker holes in dead or live trees for nesting. Abandoned woodpecker holes in dead or live trees for nesting. Strongest Oregon habitat association with subalpine scattered trees and shrubs.

NEST: Prefers abandoned northern flicker or pileated woodpecker cavities in conifers, but will also nest in woodpecker holes in deciduous trees. Usually locates nest 10 to 25 feet above the ground. Sometimes nests in natural cavities and rarely in abandoned bird nests.

FOOD: Preys primarily on small mammals such as lemmings, voles, and mice. Also eats insects, bats, some frogs, salamanders, small snakes and lizards, and during the nesting season, a few birds.

IN CENTRAL OREGON: Rare probable resident in subalpine forest of the East Cascades and Ochocos. Although the closest recent probable breeding records are from Mt Hood and northwest Klamath County, this largely non-migratory species is heard almost annually on the south flank of Broken Top near Todd Lake in Deschutes County, near Waldo Lake in Lane County, and on Mt. Pisgah in southwest Wheeler County.

REFERENCES: Adamus et al. 2001, Heintzelman 1979, Karalus and Eckert 1974, Marshall et al. 2003, Miller 1999, Shunk 2004.

Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) B

RANGE: Breeds from southern interior British Columbia to southern Manitoba south through eastern Washington, central Oregon, and California to Baja California, east to western Minnesota, western Missouri, Oklahoma, eastern Louisiana, and south to Mexico and Central America; also in Florida. Winters throughout breeding range except for the northern portions in the Great Basin and Great Plains regions.

STATUS: Locally common; populations declining due to widespread elimination of burrowing rodents, notably prairie dogs and ground squirrels. Western North America subspecies represented by A.c. hypugaea.

HABITAT: Prefers nonforested plains, grasslands, deserts, and sometimes open areas such as vacant lots near human habitations or airports. Largely depends on mammals that dig burrows in open areas with short vegetation for nesting, roosting, and for escape. Commonly perches on fence posts, bushes, utility wires, roadside billboards, and burrow mounds.

SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Burrows of colonial burrowing mammals, especially prairie dogs and ground squirrels in open spaces.

NEST: In the West, often nests in colonies in abandoned burrows of prairie dogs, and ground squirrels; also nests in burrows of woodchucks, foxes, badgers, coyotes, and armadillos. In Florida, nests in gopher tortoise burrows. Can excavate own burrow but usually enlarges burrows started by mammals and uses same burrow for years if not disturbed.

FOOD: Hunts by ground foraging, hovering, from a perch, or by flycatching. Primarily eats insects and small mammals, but also takes some birds, fishes, and frogs. Historic records from Maser, Hamer, and Anderson found that Central Oregon individuals prefer sagebrush voles, Great Basin pocket mice, and deer mice as vertebrate prey in addition to scarab beetles.

IN CENTRAL OREGON: Rare but regular summer resident in eastern Crook and Deschutes counties. Nests primarily in southeast Oregon, preferring sagebrush steppe and edges of grazed pasture and cropland. Few recent breeding records for the region other than two active nest sites near the junction of Crook, Deschutes, Harney and Lake counties. Additional breeding records from eastern Crook County. Typical Oregon nesting dates between mid-May and mid-July, with most regional observations in June. Significant decline in Central Oregon populations may be due to incidental shooting and loss of habitat to rural land development. Destruction of badgers in the region may also have a negative impact on nest site availability.

REFERENCES: Adamus et al. 2001, Butts 1973, Errington and Bennett 1935, Evans 1982, Heintzelman 1979, Karalus and Eckert 1974, Marshall et al. 2003, Miller 1999, Shunk 2004, Tate and Tate 1982, Terres 1980, Zarn 1974b.

Flammulated Owl (Otus flammeolus) B

RANGE: Breeds locally from southern British Columbia, southern Idaho, and northern Colorado south to southern California, southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, western Texas and Mexico. Winters in Mexico, casually north to southern California. North America's only neotropical migrant owl.

STATUS: Rare to locally common. Oregon birds represented by O.f. idahoensis subspecies.

HABITAT: Inhabits forests of the western mountains, mostly from 4,500 to 7,800 feet but as high as 10,000 feet elevation. Prefers woods with dense, thicket-like cover close to relatively open areas. Favors ponderosa pine forests but also occurs in forests of spruce-fir, Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine, aspen, and pinyon-juniper.

SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Some undergrowth or intermixture of oaks in the forest. Prefers to nest on the upper portions of east- and south-facing slopes or on ridges. Strongest Oregon nesting habitat associations in ponderosa pine-dominant mixed coniferous forest, ponderosa-juniper woodland, and ponderosa-lodgepole pine forest.

NEST: Usually nests in abandoned flicker or other woodpecker nest cavities from 7 to 25 feet above ground in aspen, oaks, or pines. Will forceably evict a flicker if an abandoned cavity is not available; rarely nests in holes constructed by bank swallows.

FOOD: Consumes a diet of insects and other invertebrates such as spiders, scorpions, and centipedes; prefers moths, beetles, crickets, and grasshoppers and will sometimes eat small birds and small mammals. .

IN CENTRAL OREGON: Uncommon summer resident of Ochocos and East Cascades. Birds most often detected calling at night in mixed coniferous forests. No recent confirmed breeding records exist for the region, although individuals are heard annually in multiple locations in May and June, with a rare record in September in Ccentral Deschutes County. Most knowledge of the species in Oregon from studies in the northeast portion of the state. North America's only neotropical migrant owl.

REFERENCES: Adamus et al. 2001, Coats in Farrand 1983b, Heintzelman 1979, Karalus and Eckert 1974, Marshall et al. 2003, Miller 1999, Oberholser 1974a, Phillips et al. 1964, Shunk 2004.

Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa) Y

RANGE: Breeds from central Alaska and northern Yukon to northern Manitoba and northern Ontario, south locally to central California, northern Idaho, northwestern Wyoming, central Saskatchewan, northern Minnesota, and south-central Ontario. Winters generally through the breeding range, wandering south irregularly to the northern tier of States.

STATUS: Locally common to rare. North American individuals represented by S.n. nubulosa subspecies.

HABITAT: Inhabits dense coniferous forests in Canada, and montane coniferous forests of the western States. Usually prefers pine and fir forests, rarely straying far out onto tundra barrens and muskeg marshes. Nests in mature poplar woodlands, preferably near muskeg areas, well secluded from human activities, and in spruce stands with islands of tamarack. In winter, may inhabit forests, sparse woodland edges bordering open fields, weedy fields with posts or scattered low trees or bushes, or brackish tidal meadows.

SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Old hawk or crow nests high in trees. Strongest Oregon nesting habitat association in mountain hemlock montane forest and ponderosa pine-dominant mixed coniferous forest. In the central Cascades, prefers forests adjacent to openings, such as meadows, above 3,000 ft., usually among mature lodgepole pine or mixed lodgepole and ponderosa pine.

NEST: Does not build its own nest but uses old nests of goshawks, red-tailed hawks, other large hawks, crows, ravens, or artificial nests. Locates nests 10 to 100 feet high in tamarack, balsam poplar, aspen, and spruce trees.

FOOD: Preys primarily on small mammals but also takes some birds up to the size of a grouse. Individuals in Oregon prefer voles and pocket gophers.

IN CENTRAL OREGON: Uncommon permanent resident in the East Cascades of western Jefferson and Deschutes counties. Usually discovered by accident when flushed from perch or found hunting in daylight. Recent recordssightings primarily from Sunriver, La Pine, and south of Sisters. Four recent confirmed breeding records for the region, one from southwest Jefferson County and three from southwest Deschutes County, all of fledglings observed in mid-June. May be declining in Deschutes County as a result of urban development and old-growth harvest.

REFERENCES: Adamus et al. 2001, Godfrey 1967, Heintzelman 1979, Johnsgard 1979, Karalus and Eckert 1974, Marshall et al. 2003, Miller 1999, Nero 1980, Shunk 2004.

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) Y

RANGE: Breeds from western and central Alaska and central Yukon to Labrador and Newfoundland, south throughout the Americas to Tierra del Fuego. Winters generally throughout the breeding range, with the northernmost populations being partially migratory.

STATUS: Common. B.v. saturatus likely the subspecies resident in Central Oregon.

HABITAT: Occurs in a wide variety of forested habitats. Inhabits open coniferous, deciduous, or mixed woodlands, orchards, second-growth forests, marshes, swamps, riverine forests, partially wooded slopes, brushy hillsides, farm woodlots, large city parks, and rocky canyons well away from forest cover. In the South, prefers baldcypress hummocks and expansive dense palmetto woodlands interspersed with scattered pine.

SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Large abandoned bird nests or large cavities for nesting. Strongest Oregon nesting habitat association with grassland and fir or ponderosa interspersed.

NEST: Uses a wide variety of nest sites up to 70 feet above ground; frequently abandoned nests of hawks, herons, or crows. Also uses large tree cavities, crotches, stumps, caves, and ledges. Occasionally, constructs a nest but most often uses abandoned nests.

FOOD: Prefers open areas near woodlands such as marshes or meadows for hunting. Consumes an extremely varied diet; will attempt to kill animals up to the size of a turkey or porcupine, but prefers small to medium-sized mammals and birds. Also preys upon reptiles, amphibians, large insects, and fishes; rarely consumes carrion.

IN CENTRAL OREGON: Common, widespread permanent resident. Most often seen in agricultural and rural residential areas, with birds heard calling frequently throughout the region, from high elevation mixed conifer forest to juniper woodland, but not usually encountered above timberline. Recent breeding records densely concentrated in the region with confirmed breeding in all but the extreme southeast desert portions and southwest High Cascades. Nesting begins early, often in February, with nestlings observed as early as April.

REFERENCES: Adamus et al. 2001, DeGraff et al. 1980, Earhart and Johnson 1970, Heintzelman 1979, Johnsgard 1979, Karalus and Eckert 1974, Miller 1999, Shunk 2004, Sprunt 1955.

Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) Y

RANGE: Breeds from northern Yukon, southwestern Mackenzie, northern Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, south to northern Baja California, southern Arizona, western and central Texas, Arkansas, northern Ohio, western Virginia, and New England. Winters from southern Canada south to Baja California, Mexico, southern Texas, the Gulf Coast, and Georgia; casually to Florida.

STATUS: Locally common. Oregon birds may not be identifiable to subspecies.

HABITAT: Often inhabits coniferous woodlands but also deciduous forests and forested areas near open country. Also will inhabit open or dense woodlands, parks, orchards, woodlots, wooded swamps, streams, and reservoir shorelines, even low-growing scrub if it is in the form of dense, tangled thickets. Occurs up to 10,000 feet.

SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Dense vegetation for nesting and roosting cover. Strongest Oregon nesting habitat association in western juniper woodland.

NEST: Most often uses old nests of large birds such as crows, hawks, ravens, herons, or magpies, but will use squirrel nests and natural tree cavities. Usually locates nest 15 to 30 feet above the ground, but may nest on the ground or on ledges. Rarely, will construct own nest.

FOOD: Forages over wooded and open country, preying primarily on mice and other small mammals. Also eats some bats, cottontails, small birds, frogs, small snakes, and insects.

IN CENTRAL OREGON: Uncommon permanent resident of juniper woodlands and ponderosa pine-dominant mixed coniferous forest at low to moderate elevations. Most recent breeding records for the region are from Jefferson County from early May to mid-June, with 10 breeding confirmations from the central part of the county. Despite this high number of breeding records, the species is very difficult to find and rarely reported in the region, with the most recent records from juniper woodlands in eastern Deschutes County on Horse Ridge.

REFERENCES: Adamus et al. 2001, Armstrong 1958, DeGraff et al. 1980, Heintzelman 1979, Johnsgard 1979, Karalus and Eckert 1974, Marshall et al. 2003, Miller 1999, Shunk 2004.

Northern Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium gnoma) Y

RANGE: Resident from southeastern Alaska, British Columbia, southwestern Alberta, and western Montana south, mostly in mountainous regions through southern California and interior Mexico to Central America, and extending east as far as central Colorado, central New Mexico, and extreme western Texas.

STATUS: Common. Subspecies G.g. californicum likely breeds in Central Oregon.

HABITAT: Inhabits deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests in the West. In Arizona, prefers mixed oak-pine forests on south-facing slopes from 4,000 to 13,000 feet in elevation, but tends to frequent coniferous forests at the higher elevations; in California, occurs up to 6,000 feet, primarily in mixed scattered hardwoods and conifers. In the Rocky Mountains, occurs from 5,000 to 10,000 feet in dense pine forests or open areas with scattered trees; along the Pacific Coast, prefers dense damp forests of firs, redwoods, and cedars.

SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Natural cavities or old woodpecker holes for nesting. Strongest Oregon habitat association with Douglas Fir-W. Hemlock-W. Red Cedar Forest, with Central Oregon nests likely in conifers or quaking aspen.

NEST: Nests in abandoned cavities of the hairy woodpecker or northern flicker or natural cavities. Chooses cavities from 8 to 100 feet above the ground; in Rocky Mountains uses cavities up to 24 feet above the ground; in California, from 40 to 75 feet, and along the coast from 50 to 60 feet (but up to 100 feet) above the ground. May use the same nest site for several years.

FOOD: Primarily preys upon mice and large insects; also eats other small mammals, small birds, spiders, scorpions, centipedes, small snakes, lizards, and toads.

IN CENTRAL OREGON: Fairly common permanent resident in forested areas of the Cascades and Ochocos. This tiny diurnal owl is most often heard calling at dawn and dusk in ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forests, although the species will call at any time of day. Records occur unpredictably and widespread throughout the region, with movement patterns difficult to follow and breeding rarely confirmed. The only recent breeding confirmation exists from May 1997 when a nest was discovered near Bend. Often an individual will be heard and seen repeatedly over short periods and then not again for months. Recent records exist for Tumalo State Park, Indian Ford Creek, Camp Polk Meadow, and Swampy Lakes.

REFERENCES: Adamus et al. 2001, Earhart and Johnson 1970, Heintzelman 1979, Karalus and Eckert 1974, Marshall et al. 2003, Miller 1999, Shunk 2004.

Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) Y

RANGE: Breeds from southern Alaska, central British Columbia, and central Alberta to southern Quebec and northern New Brunswick, south to southern California, central Mexico, extreme western Texas, central Missouri, southern Wisconsin, central Ohio, West Virginia, and New York; also in the mountains of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. Winters generally throughout the breeding range, south irregularly to southern Arizona, the Gulf Coast, and central Florida.

STATUS: Uncommon.

HABITAT: Favors dense woods, especially swampy areas of coniferous or hardwood forests. Also inhabits tamarack bogs, alder thickets, cedar groves, woodlots, and roadside shade trees; may take up temporary residence in or around a barn. Prefers cedar groves and vine clusters for roosting.

SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Tree cavities large enough for nesting and roosting. Strongest Oregon habitat associations occur in Jeffrey Pine forest, Douglas Fir-mixed deciduous forest, and edges of recently cut or burned forest.

NEST: Usually nests in abandoned nest holes of northern flickers, hairy woodpeckers, or other woodpeckers but will use natural cavities of suitable size. Usually nests 20 to 40 (range 14 to 60) feet above the ground. Occasionally uses nest boxes with a layer of straw or sawdust.

FOOD: Mostly eats small mammals; also preys on small birds, some insects, and frogs.

IN CENTRAL OREGON: Uncommon permanent resident in forested regions of the Cascades and Ochocos. Saw-whet owls are most often found during concerted owling efforts in the region, with recent records from the Eyerley Burn of westren Jefferson County and Swampy Lakes in western Deschutes County. Historically, the species has also been heard near Black Butte and along Indian Ford Creek. Recent breeding records are scant, with only three confirmations, one from northern Jefferson County and two from northern Crook County, with fledglings observed in June for the former. Probable breeding records also exist from the Cascades of western Jefferson County.

REFERENCES: Adamus et al. 2001, DeGraff et al. 1980, Heintzelman 1979, Johnsgard 1979, Karalus and Eckert 1974, Miller 1999, Shunk 2004.

Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis) M

RANGE: Resident from southwestern British Columbia south through western Washington and western Oregon to southern California; also in the mountains of southern Utah, central Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and extreme western Texas south into northern Mexico.

STATUS: Rare; habitat is limited due to harvesting of old-growth forests. The "Northern" Spotted Owl, subspecies S.o. caurina, occurs in Oregon and is federally listed as a threatened species.

HABITAT: Inhabits dense coniferous forests with crown closures of at least 80 percent or mixed woodlands and deeply shaded canyons in coastal and mountainous areas of the West. In California, prefers dense fir or Douglas-fir forests on sheer, heavily wooded cliffsides or in narrow canyons, but also inhabits stream valleys well grown with oaks, sycamores, willows, cottonwoods, and alder tangles. In Southwest, favors forested mountain tablelands and canyons from 5,500 to 9,000 feet with dense aspen clumps and creek fringe maples.

SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Cavities for nesting and at least 600 acres of dense, old-growth forest or deep, narrow, well-wooded canyons per pair.

NEST: Generally nests in cool, shaded areas with well-developed understory and near water. Prefers natural cavities in the old-growth trees, especially Douglas-fir or oaks, with broken tops and infested with mistletoe. Also will nest in cliff cavities, cave floors, occasionally abandoned hawk or raven nests, and hollow logs on the ground. Rarely builds its own nest in the crotch of a tall tree. East Cascades nest trees may be chosen for limbs that grow in dense, deformed clumps due to severe dwarf mistletoe infection.

FOOD: Preys on a wide variety of animals, but mainly takes small mammals; also eats small birds and large insects.

IN CENTRAL OREGON: Uncommon permanent resident in old-growth forests of northwest Deschutes and western Jefferson counties. This species primarily lives west of the Cascades, although a number of known pairs reside on the eastern slope. Spotted Owls are rarely seen or heard except during concerted owling efforts. Most recent Oregon breeding records are of nestlings or fledglings observed in June. The B&B and Link fires of 2003 burned much of the Spotted Owl habitat in the region's Metolius River Basin and the future of the species in the region is precarious. The species is known to hybridize with Barred Owl, which also occurs in the region, hence individuals should be carefully observed for possible crosses.

REFERENCES: Adamus et al. 2001, Heintzelman 1979, Karalus and Eckert 1974, Marshall 1942, Marshall et al. 1993, Miller 1999, Shunk 2004,Tate and Tate 1982, Zarn 1974c.

Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) Y

RANGE: Breeds from northern Alaska and northern Yukon to northern Quebec and Labrador, south to central California, northern Nevada, Utah, Kansas, Missouri, northern Ohio, northern Virginia, and New Jersey. Winters generally in the breeding range from southern Canada south to Mexico.

STATUS: Locally common; population is declining across southern portions of its range. North American population represented by A.f. flammeus subspecies.

HABITAT: Primarily inhabits marshland and open grasslands, but also tundra, open fields, forest clearings, sagelands, deserts, pastures, prairies, lower mountain slopes, canyons, arroyos, dunes, meadows, and other open habitats. In winter, prefers open areas with little or no snow.

SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Extensive open grasslands with an abundance of rodents. Strongest Oregon habitat association at the edges of freshwater marsh.

NEST: Nests are sometimes in small loose colonies, placed in slight depressions on the ground, either in exposed situations or in grassy cover among clumps of weeds or grasses. Rarely, will nest in an excavated burrow.

FOOD: Preys primarily on small mammals, especially voles; also eats birds, bats, and large insects.

IN CENTRAL OREGON: Although historically common, now a Rrare migrant and summer resident, with most records during migration. Usually seen flying low over grasslands in the region, especially north of Madras, in western Crook County, and occasionally around Sunriver and La Pine. Recent Nnesting records are very rare with one breeding confirmation in southeast Deschutes County when fledglings were observed in July 1999. Two probable breeding records exist from north Jefferson County.

REFERENCES: Adamus et al. 2001, Clark 1975, DeGraff et al. 1980, Heintzelman 1979, Johnsgard 1979, Karalus and Eckert 1974, Low and Mansell 1983, Marshall et al. 2003, Miller 1999, Shunk 2004, Tate and Tate 1982.

Western Screech-Owl (Otus kennicottii) Y

RANGE: Resident from south-coastal and southeastern Alaska, coastal and southern British Columbia, and northern Idaho to southeastern Colorado and extreme western Oklahoma, south to Mexico and western Texas.

STATUS: Common; populations are declining in the West. Supspecies O.k. bendirei resident in Oregon east of the Cascade summit.

HABITAT: Found in a variety of habitats, favors oak and riparian woodlands in the West. Also inhabits orchards, shade trees in towns and cities, small woodlots, and deciduous forests. Prefers areas with widely spaced trees interspersed with grassy open spaces for hunting.

SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Cavities for nesting and roosting in trees with a minimum dbh of 12 inches. Strongest Oregon habitat association in Douglas Fir-White Oak Forest and Western Oregon riverine woodland.

NEST: Nests in natural cavities in trees or in old woodpecker holes, especially those of the northern flicker and pileated woodpecker. Chooses cavities with openings 3 to 5 inches in diameter that are typically 5 to 30 feet (but up to 50 feet) above the ground. Many use same cavity for many years; will use artificial cavities.

FOOD: Hunts for its food in grassy openings, fields, meadows, or along wooded field margins or streams. Primarily takes rodents, especially meadow voles, but also eats insects, scorpions, spiders, centipedes, crayfish, amphibians, reptiles, fishes, and small birds.

IN CENTRAL OREGON: Uncommon permanent resident of mature juniper woodland, dense deciduous woodland, and mixed conifer forest. As with most nocturnal owls, Screech-Owls are most often heard during concerted owling efforts in the region. The species is fairly widespread, with historic records from Jack Creek to Camp Polk Meadow and into the juniper belt. However, only once has the species been confirmed nesting when fledglings were observed in July 1998 in north central Jefferson County. Probable breeding records include calling individuals and pairs, and a territorial individual, from west Jefferson and Deschutes counties.

REFERENCES: Adamus et al. 2001, DeGraff et al. 1980, Earhart and Johnson 1970, Heintzelman 1979, Johnsgard 1979, Karalus and Eckert 1974, Marshall et al. 2003, Miller 1999, Scott et al. 1977, Shunk 2004, Tate and Tate 1982, Thomas et al. 1979, Van Camp and Henny 1975.