The Northern Spotted Owl: A Struggle for Survival

The Northern Spotted Owl: A Struggle for Survival

Introduction and History:
The Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) was first sighted in the 1860’s by a Hungarian immigrant named John Xántus de Vesey. The owl’s habitats cover the costal mountain ranges from southern British Columbia to the central part of California. Other subspecies include the Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentailis lucida), and the California Spotted Owl (Strix occidentailis occidentailis). The Spotted Owl is a nocturnal, woodland owl with dark colored feathers, a round head, and dark brown eyes. The owl earned its name from the distinctive white spots covering its chest, and less noticeable spots on its wing, head, and tail. The owls are typically placid and reluctant to fly, allowing humans to get fairly close. But, usually roosting near the trunk of the tree, the owls colors provide excellent camouflaged against the tree trunk. The owl’s average adult size is 18 inches for males and...