The biology of the California spotted owl

Abstract

The spotted owl (Strix occidentalis) is one of the most studied raptors in the world (Lõmus 2004) because forest management throughout its range has the potential to negatively affect owl populations. Information on the California spotted owl (S. o. occidentalis) has been summarized in several literature reviews (e.g., Gutiérrez 1996; Gutiérrez and Carey 1985; Gutiérrez et al. 1995; Keane 2014; Roberts and North 2012; USFWS 1990, 1993, 2003, 2006; Verner et al. 1992a). However, the first comprehensive review of the biology of the California spotted owl was conducted by Verner et al. (1992a). Verner et al. (1992a) also served as a foundational chapter for the California spotted owl technical assessment 'The California Spotted Owl: A technical Assessment of it’s current status' (CASPO) and its recommended owl management strategy (Verner et al. 1992b). Much has been learned about the biology of the California spotted owl since CASPO including new methods of data analysis to provide scientifically defensible results (Gutiérrez 2004, 2008). In this chapter, we summarize new information on the natural and life history of the California spotted owl that has been gathered primarily since CASPO (Verner et al. 1992b), but we also include new research about other owl subspecies (northern and Mexican spotted owls, S. o. caurina and S. o. lucida, respectively) when it is applicable to the California spotted owl.

Parent Publication

• The California spotted owl: current state of knowledge

Citation

Gutiérrez, R.J.; Tempel, Douglas J.; Peery, M. Zachariah. 2017. The biology of the California spotted owl. In: Gutiérrez, R.J.; Manley, Patricia N.; Stine, Peter A., tech. eds. The California spotted owl: current state of knowledge. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-254. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station: 11-47. Chapter 2.