The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a captivating and adorable species known for its diminutive size and striking features. Meet Higgins, a stunning example of this species, who stands as a testament to the beauty and resilience of these creatures.
@intobirdsofficial Meet one of the most adorable owls in the world. The Northern Saw-whet Owl is one of the cutest owls ever! These tiny owls are close in size to the American Robin and are 2.8 ounces of ferociousness. This beauty is named Higgins, and he is the victim of a cat attack, losing his gift of flight. Now, he’s a bird ambassador at @Christine’s Critters Inc., and his job is educating people about his species 🦉 #owl #owls #cuteowl #birdsofprey #northernsawwhetowl #birdsarentreal
Higgins cannot fly from a cat attack but now has a new calling as a bird ambassador at Christine’s Critters in Connecticut. Here, he educates people about his species and showcases his unique physical features that make him stand out from other owl species. These features make Higgins one of the most distinctive and fascinating creatures in the bird world.
Despite the Northern Saw-whet Owl being about the same size as an American Robin and weighing less than 6 ounces, it does not have ear tufts like other owl species. Instead, it has a black bill, a distinctive white “V” on its face, broad reddish-brown streaks on its underparts, and white spots on its shoulders.
Spotting Northern Saw-whet Owls in the Wild
Northern Saw-whet Owls are challenging to spot in the wild as they silently roost in dense conifers in northern boreal forests. Even if you see one, you might not even realize it because of the owl’s camouflage. The key to locating them is by observing the songbirds around them. Once detected by the birds, they will begin calling and flying to drive the owl away.
Pay attention to the Blue Jays. Jays are not fond of birds of prey in their territory (or any other birds, for that matter), so when they discover an owl, they voice their disapproval, alerting other jays and critters of its presence. The jays group together to escort the owl somewhere else. Although many consider them backyard bullies, jays earn the right to first dibs at the feeders because they are a security force for our backyard ecosystems.
The Northern Saw-whet Owl’s charismatic yet secretive nature leaves much to learn about these tiny owls. Bird ambassadors such as Higgins, education, and advocacy play a critical role in protecting and preserving species of concern like the Northern Saw-whet Owl.
Safe Haven for Birds of Prey
Christine’s Critters is an outstanding organization that provides a safe haven for birds of prey, including Higgins. As a bird ambassador, Higgins educates people about his species and the importance of protecting them. Bird ambassadors serve as crucial advocates for conservation efforts and play a significant role in shaping public opinion about the natural world.
IntoBirds is delighted to sponsor Higgins and four other birds of prey at Christine’s Critters, including Magma, a red-phase Eastern Screen Owl; Salsa, a female American Kestrel; Equinox, a female Peregrine Falcon; and Pisces, a female Osprey.
These beautiful birds of prey inspire our Etsy shop, and proceeds support these magnificent creatures and the work of Christine’s Critters.
We strongly encourage you to support conservation efforts, like Christine’s Critters and other wildlife organizations, through education and sponsorship to safeguard species such as the Northern Saw-whet Owl, one of the most adorable owls in the world, and ensure their survival for future generations.
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