Northern Saw-whet Owl

Nest box Plan and Information

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Northern Saw-whet Owl
© Laura Erickson
Construction difficulty:
moderate

Download Nest Box Plan

Nesting Range

Northern Saw-whet Owl Range Source: Birds of the World

Nesting Habitat

  • Forest
  • Open Woodland

Attach Nest Box To

  • Live tree

Known Nesting Period

Not Nesting
Some Nesting Occurrence
Nesting in Most of Range
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Source: Birds of the World

Nest Box Placement

Nest Height:
12ft
15ft

12–15 feet

Minimum Spacing:

800 feet

Facing:

South

Nest Box Measurements

Entrance Hole:

3" x 4"

Depth:

17 3/8"

Width & Length:

9 5/8"

11 1/4"

Click here to get this plan

Helpful Tips

  • Coniferous forests near a water source (i.e., river, swamp) are preferred nesting habitat.
  • Add 2–3" of wood chips to the bottom of the box.
  • Avoid disturbing nesting females during and shortly after egg-laying, as they may abandon the nest if disturbed early in the nesting cycle. It is best to wait at least one week, if not two, after finding a nest to check the contents.
  • The hard mat of dried prey remains normally left in a nest cavity could make the site unsuitable for a year or two, so cleaning is recommended in the nonbreeding season.