What does the Northern Hawk-Owl eat?

The Northern Hawk-Owl's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Carnivore

How it forages

Primarily a diurnal hunter, though it can hunt at dawn and dusk. It typically perches on a prominent snag or treetop, scanning for prey. Once prey is spotted, it swoops down in a swift, direct flight. Diet consists mainly of voles, lemmings, and other small rodents, but also takes shrews, small birds, and occasionally insects.

When it feeds

Diurnal, active during daylight hours, especially morning and late afternoon.

Explore the Northern Hawk-Owl