About This Project

With little known about Northern Saw-whet Owl (NSWO) breeding ecology in Virginia and as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the Virginia Wildlife Action Plan, the subject warrants investigation. We hypothesize that NSWO are breeding in the spruce forests of Southwest Virginia. Our project will answer this question by thoroughly surveying potential breeding habitat. We will conduct audio playback surveys 4 times at 29 sites through the breeding season.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

The Northern Saw-whet Owl (NSWO) is a rarely seen species primarily inhabiting northern boreal forests. A relic sub-population persists in high elevation refugia scattered among the Appalachian Mountains, including areas of Virginia. Due to its small range and secretive nature, much of this species’ life history remains a mystery in Virginia. This project will focus on answering the questions associated with the breeding ecology of this typically northern species.

During the breeding season, NSWO are their most conspicuous with regular calling between late March and mid-June in the southern Appalachians. We will focus our efforts during this window to find out if NSWO are still breeding here and to delineate the breeding territories across the high country of our region.

What is the significance of this project?

Southern breeding populations of NSWO are limited to spruce-fir forests. This forest type is one of the most threatened ecosystems in the southeastern US. In our project area, this habitat only occurs on the highest mountains (>4000 ft). Historic logging, chemical deposition, and invasive species have caused drastic declines of this forest type. At present, climate change looms as an additional threat - likely increasing the elevational restriction and further decreasing available breeding habitat for NSWO. Our research will delineate any current NSWO breeding habitat and contribute greatly to the understanding of population densities which will be crucial for monitoring NSWO into the future.

What are the goals of the project?

Our primary goal is to determine if NSWO are still breeding in the boreal forests of southwest Virginia. We will answer this by using a standardized audio playback protocol for NSWO. Due to the quality of the habitat within the area, it is likely that breeding is occurring. Our project will answer this question. The funding will allow us to survey the likely habitat with repeat visits to the same points throughout the breeding season. This level of effort will result in a clear understanding of NSWO use of the potential breeding habitat. If we are able to document breeding, our next goal is the delineation of breeding territories. This will be crucial for future conservation measures for these owls.