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Owls of Salt Spring Island Owls are birds of prey that have forward-facing eyes and a face that is disk-shaped or saucer-shaped, trapping sound waves and light waves. The predatory behaviour of owls is also aided by their hawk-like beak, talons, camouflage coloration, and feather structure enabling near-silent flight. Owls often swallow whole animals, then regurgitate the undigestible parts of the meal (hair, bones, feathers) in pellets that may be found on the ground near the nest. Owls do not build typical bird nests, rather they may nest on the ground, on ledges, on platforms, in tree cavities, and commonly occupy abandoned nests of other bird species. Rodenticides (rat poisons) threaten owl populations in BC. Newer rodenticides
are potent blood thinners. These poisons can kill rats but travel through the
food chain to kill or damage other animals as well. In a 2009 study where 164
dead owls were tested in BC, 70% of the owls had at least one anticoagulant
rodenticide in their livers. Rodenticides may kill the owls outright, or
affect their fitness in other ways, such as altering their ability to fly Eight species of owls have been sighted on Salt Spring, and are shown below. Those most commonly encountered are the barred owl and the western screech owl. The Conservancy welcomes reports of owl sightings if the species has been identified. Sightings can be reported via email to info@saltspringconservancy.ca or via telephone to (250) 538-0318. Barn Owl Tyto alba
This medium-sized owl stands 30 -37 cm (just over a foot), and has a unique light-coloured heart-shaped face with dark eyes and a light beak. This owl has been observed in the Vancouver Island region only since 1946. Preferred feeding habitat is open fields and grasslands, thus the barn owl is attracted to agriculture. Nesting commonly occurs in barns and other built structures, natural tree cavities, and nest boxes. Barn owls may roost in forest trees in winter. Stewardship involves conservation of rodent habitat (grasslands and old fields), conservation of old out-buildings used by owls, provision of nest boxes, and limiting the use of pesticides and the poisoning of rodents (which constitute much of the owl’s food supply). Further Information: Environment Canada Species at Risk Barn owl call courtesy of John Neville Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology: Barn Owl Western Screech Owl Megascops kennicottii kennicottii
The western screech owl is a small owl measuring 19 - 26 cm (less than a foot long), grey-brown in appearance with dark wavy stripes on the breast. The eyes are yellow and small ear tufts may be visible. Screech owls inhabit low elevation forests and will occupy cavities of large trees, especially dead trees (snags). Most nests are found in nest boxes. Stewardship involves conservation of trees, including large dead and decaying trees that can be used for roosting and nesting. Placement of nest boxes may improve owl habitat. Further Information: Screech owl call courtesy of John Neville Environment Canada Species at Risk Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus
This owl is named for the feather tufts on the head that resemble horns. A large bird may exceed 60 cm in length. The coastal great horned owl is brownish to grey in colour with a barred underside, and prominent yellow eyes. Great horned owls prey upon a wide variety of small to medium-sized birds and mammals. Great horned owls use tree branch nests of other birds. Occasionally nests are found in tree cavities, on ledges, and in buildings. Conservation includes limiting the use of pesticides and conserving large trees and other nesting habitat. Known nest sites should be protected from disturbance. Further Information: Great Horned Owl Call courtesy of John Neville Additional Great Horned Owl Call Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology: Great Horned Owl Snowy Owl Bubo scandiacus
As the name implies, this large owl is whitish in colour. Males may be almost entirely white, except for three dark tail bands. Females and young show a pattern of dark bars or spots, and very young animals may be heavily spotted. On the BC coast the snowy owl feeds largely on waterfowl. Nests sites are usually on the ground. Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology: Snowy Owl Northern Pygmy Owl Glaucidium gnoma swarthi
This small brownish-grey owl (less than 20 cm) has a white belly with dark streaks, white spots on the head, and two dark patches on the back of the neck that resemble eyes. The tail is relatively long. Food may include a wide variety of prey, including birds, mice, voles, amphibians, snakes, and insects. These owls require natural tree cavities in which to nest. Conservation includes preserving large diameter old trees and snags, preserving younger trees that eventually will qualify as nest and roost trees, and protecting known nests from disturbance. Construction of nest boxes may be of benefit. Raccoons and similar wildlife should not be given artificial food sources that may increase the density of these predators. Release of rabbits into the wild may attract large predatory birds that displace small owls. Also, protection of native vegetation and natural ponds may help this species. Further Information: Northern Pygmy Owl - Species at Risk Identified Wildlife Species Account Barred Owl Strix varia
This large brown-eyed owl has a horzontal barred pattern on the neck/chest area, whereas the belly is streaked vertically. Unlike several other Salt Spring owls, it lacks ear tufts. The barred owl is a recent immigrant and is blamed for a decline in populations of the western screech owl, on which it preys. Barred owls nest in tree cavities and feed extensively on mice and other small rodents. This owl tends to avoid habitat occupied by the great horned owl. Further Information: Barred Owl Call courtesy of John Neville Additional Barred Owl Call Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology: Barred Owl Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus
The short-eared owl has feather tufts resembling ears, which may or may not be easily visible. This owl is of crow-size with a mottled colour pattern and bars across the tail. A distinctive buff patch can be seen on the upper surface of the wing. This owl may commonly nest on the ground in shrubbery, or in fields where voles are their main source of prey. Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology: Short-eared Owl Northern Saw-whet Owl Aegolius acadicus
This is a tiny, short-tailed owl with brown-streaked underparts that is found in forests and thickets. Nesting occurs in trees cavities and nest boxes. Prey includes deer mice, shews, and voles. Northern Saw-whet Owl Call courtesy of John Neville Additional Northern Saw-whet Owl Call Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology: Northern Saw-whet Owl
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