Range expansion of Northern Hawk Owls (Surnia ulula) and Boreal Owls (Aegolius funereus) in Nova Scotia

Abstract

The Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula) has never been recorded to breed in Nova Scotia (and only once in recent history in all of the Maritimes). Three pairs of hawk owls were found within 4 km² of woods in 1996, and of these, young were found with two pairs. The first provincial summer record for the Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus) was also obtained in 1996. These findings increase the known breeding range of hawk owls (and likely that of Boreal Owls) to the south and east of that previously described in North America. The range extension of the hawk owl may be explained by a beneficial habitat change which resulted from a major outbreak of the spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens)).

Parent Publication

• Biology and conservation of owls of the Northern Hemisphere: 2nd International symposium

Citation

Lauff, Randy F. 1997. Range expansion of Northern Hawk Owls (Surnia ulula) and Boreal Owls (Aegolius funereus) in Nova Scotia. In: Duncan, James R.; Johnson, David H.; Nicholls, Thomas H., eds. Biology and conservation of owls of the Northern Hemisphere: 2nd International symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-190. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station. 569-571.