Our Resident Saw-whet Owls
Chloe
Brought to Sharon Audubon Center:
Fall 1993. Chloe passed away on 10/8/09.
History: Chloe was brought into Sharon Audubon Center’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center after being hit by a car. The wing was wrapped by a veterinarian, but mobility never returned. Chloe used to go to education programs, teaching thousands of children and adults each year, but has now retired due to his age and partial blindness and spends his time hanging out inside the Nature Center with another Saw-whet Owl.
Herra
Brought to Sharon Audubon Center: September 12, 2007
History: Herra was injured because of a collision with the car. She had a wing injury that did not heal properly and a broken toe that resulted in the loss of one of her talons. Herra was brought to the Audubon Center after a brief stay at the White Memorial Conservation Center in Litchfield, CT, where she was on display. Herra now lives in our exhibit room aviary.
Northern Saw-whet Owl
(Aegolius acadius)
Average Height: 7-8 inches
Average Weight: ¼ pound (4 oz.)
Wingspan: 1 ½ - 2 feet
Lifespan: 7-8 years in wild, up to 17 years in captivity
Description: The Saw-whet Owl is the smallest owl in the Eastern U.S. and Canada. They do not have eartufts. Plumage is brown with white spots on the head, back and wings. Underparts are white with blotchy brown streaks. Male and female saw-whets have similar markings.
Call: The Saw-whet Owl call is a single noted mellow whistle that sounds like the whetting, or sharpening, of a saw blade, hence the name Saw-whet Owl.
Range: Saw-whets occupy Western and Northeastern U.S. into Canada. They migrate south to Connecticut and the Northeast from Canada, but they are uncommon. Some saw-whets may be seen in this area in late winter or early spring.
Habitat: Saw-whets prefer dense conifer, mixed conifer/deciduous forest, or wooded swamps, usually near a water source such as a pond or stream.
Diet: The diet consists mainly of small rodents (also shrews), bats and insects.
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