A resident of dense evergreen or mixed evergreen-deciduous forests, usually at higher elevations in the west, this small owl is rarely seen even though it is often not uncommon. \r\nThey are most easily noticed during the spring breeding season when they call regularly at night. They eat mostly small mice and during the summer also large insects. The nest cavity is in abandoned woodpecker holes or natural cavities of trunks high above the ground. The cavity is also used throughout the year for roosting during the day time. Occasionally individuals will roost motionlessly on low open branches during the day where they can be approached closely.
The four-digit banding code is NSWO.
