About the Northern Spotted Owl

A medium-sized, chocolate brown owl with dark eyes, the northern spotted owl is a nocturnal “perch-and-pounce” predator that captures its prey (primarily small forest mammals) with its claws. Like most owl species, the spotted owl nests in the tops of trees or in cavities of naturally deformed or diseased trees. Spotted owls primarily mate for life and may live up to 20 years.

The northern spotted owl is believed to have historically inhabited most forests throughout southwestern British Columbia, western Washington and Oregon, and northwestern California as far south as the San Francisco Bay. Prior to the listing of the northern spotted owl, development and past harvesting practices resulted in the loss of owl habitat. As the amount of suitable habitat declines, so does the number of spotted owls. When spotted owls are forced to live in small patches of forest they become more susceptible to starvation, predation, or further loss of habitat due to natural destruction such as windstorms. More recently, competition from encroaching barred owls also has caused an apparent decline in spotted owls across most of their range. Estimates suggest that the amount of suitable habitat available to spotted owls has been reduced by over 60 percent in the last 190 years. Owl numbers appear to have declined annually since 1985 when many studies began. Spotted owls are currently declining at an average rate of 2.9 percent rangewide each year.

Recovery efforts for the northern spotted owl are helping to reduce habitat loss on federal lands. Current forest management practices stress more limited harvesting in old-growth forests and suggest alternate areas for harvest which are less preferred by spotted owls.

For more information:

• US Fish & Wildlife Service, Oregon office
• Cornell Lab of Ornithology

HABITATS

The Northern Spotted Owl lives in the following habitats:

Aspen Meadow

Douglas Fir

Late Seral + Mature Conifer Forests

Redwood

HOW YOU CAN HELP THIS SPECIES

 The northern spotted owl needs your help to preserve its natural habitat. Together, with Pacific Forest Trust and our network of partners, we can all protect the spaces this species needs to survive.

Conservation projects with Northern Spotted Owl habitats

Pacific Forest Trust is dedicated to preserving natural habitats and forest systems where animals can thrive. Explore some of our conservation projects and easements in and around northern spotted owl habitat.

McCloud Dogwood Butte Working Forest

CA | 12,646 acres

This project expanded conservation of the McCloud River Watershed, benefitting California’s water, wildlife, and climate.

McCloud Soda Springs Working Forest

CA | 1,346 Acres

Once rezoned for residential development, this rolling woodland will stay intact to benefit wildlife, water, and the local economy.

Mountcrest Working Forest

OR | 2,065 acres

Atop Oregon’s Siskiyou Crest, Mountcrest Forest has critical water, wildlife, and historic connections.

Van Eck Forest Laboratories

CA & OR | 9,400 acres

Two learning laboratories demonstrate the synergy of economic and ecologic return in sustainable forest management.