Redwood Coast Temperate Rainforest Species

An old-growth-associated nocturnal raptor that depends on large trees and multilayered forest structure for roosting and nesting. In Redwood parks it uses deep-canopied stands and snags for daytime roosts and hunts small mammals at night.

Medium-sized owl with dark eyes, rounded facial disc, and spotted underparts; listen for low, melancholy hoots and look for birds roosting quietly in dense canopy during the day.

Common Confusions

• Barred Owl Strix varia Barred owls are larger, paler, with dark eyes and a rounded streaked pattern on the chest, and have a different call ('who cooks for you'); spotted owls have darker facial discs with dark eyes and more spotted breast patterning.
• Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus Great horned owls have prominent ear tufts and a deeper hooting call and are bulkier than the more slender spotted owl.