OWLS 
265 
Distribution. Northern parts of northern hemisphere. In Canada, across the con- 
tinent in tiie northern coniferous forest, usually coining into southern sections only in winter. 
SUBSPECIES. The American form of this species is separated from the European 
under the name of Richardson’s Owl (la Chouette de Richardson) Cryptogkmx funerea 
richardsoni, 
. This is a very irregular and occasional winter migrant throughout 
most of our cultivated sections. 
Economic Status. Though too rare to have any noticeable economic 
influence it must be regarded as a beneficial species. Of 9 stomachs 
examined, 1 contained a small bird; 7, mice; and 4, other mammals. 
372. Acadian Owl. saw-whet owl. la chouette des granges. Cryploglaux 
acadica. Excepting the Pygmy, the smallest of our owls. Above, almost solid chocolate- 
brown. Facial disk on crown and sides of 
head, bordered with many fine, short, white 
lines, extending back over crown (Figure 385a). 
Below, white, broadly and softly streaked 
with a slightly paler shade of the back colour; 
or — the same, but the white replaced by light 
rusty buff. A plumage of this owl, rarely seen, 
was long thought to be a distinct species, and 
was called Kirtland’s Owl, but is now demon- 
strated to be only an evanescent juvenile 
plumage of the Saw-whet. This juvenile is 
solid brown above, redder than the adult, the 
brown extending across breast as a rufescent 
band. Below the breast-band, the abdomen is rusty-ochre, without stripes. The facial 
disks are almost black (Figure 385b), in striking contrast with the white above, and 
between the eyes. 
Figure 385 
Saw-whet Owls; scale,!. 
a, adult b, juvenile 
Distinctions. With small size, round, hornless head, and general coloration, likely 
to be confused only with Richardson’s Owl. Differs from that species in being of a redder 
apd greyer brown, especially the stripes below, and in the facial disk blending into the 
crown with but little contrast (Compare with Figure 384). An owl of this type, with 
wing between 5! and 4 inches, will be this species. 
Field Marks. A small, round-headed owl, smaller, and of paler and more blended 
colour than the preceding. 
Nesting, In holes in trees, sometimes natural cavities, at other times those made by 
woodpeckers or squirrels. 
Distribution. Most of temperate North America. In Canada, in wooded sections, 
probably not north of latitude 60 degrees. 
• SUBSPECIES. Two subspecies of the Acadian Owl are recognized in Canada. 
The Eastern Saw-whet Owl (la Chouette des granges de 1’Est) Cryploglaux acadica acadica 
inhabits most of the Dominion. The Queen Charlotte Owl (la Chouette de Reine-Char- 
lotte) Cryploglaux acadica brooksi is at present known only in Queen Charlotte Islands. 
It is like the Acadian, but in adults the whites are replaced by rufous ochre. In 
the young the colours are all richer and darker than in the young of the Acadian. The 
difference between these two races is very striking and the absence of known intergrades 
suggests that Cryploglaux acadica brooksi may be a distinct species. The Northwest 
Saw-whet Cryploglaux acadica scotae.a, heretofore ascribed to the Pacific coast of Canada, 
has lately been dropped as being identical with the Acadian Owl. 
This diminutive owl haunts the dark tangle of cedar and tamarack 
swamps and similar localities, passing the day close to the trunk of a tree 
where its plumage blends indistinguishably with the bark. It has such 
great reliance in its protective coloration that it will allow close approach 
and can at times be almost taken in the hand. It takes its vernacular 
name from its call-notes, which are said to resemble the sound made by 
filing or whetting a saw'. 
Economic Status. Of 19 stomachs examined, 1 contained a sparrow; 
17, mice; and 1, a moth. With this record the species deserves protection. 
