Species profile
About this species
The Boreal Owl is a small, compact owl found across the boreal forests of North America, Europe & Asia. It has a distinctive large, rounded head with a pale facial disc framed by dark borders, brown upperparts spotted with white, & streaked underparts. Despite its small size, it is a formidable nocturnal predator, feeding primarily on small mammals such as voles & mice.
Dense boreal & montane coniferous forests, particularly those dominated by spruce, fir & pine. They favour mature forest stands with an abundance of large trees containing natural cavities or old woodpecker holes suitable for nesting & roosting.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Boreal Owl with us in Canada.
These departures are part of our North America programme.
In the field, David Miles & Pui Hang Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Late winter to early spring during the breeding season, when males are actively calling at dusk & dawn. Night-time & low-light conditions around sunset & sunrise offer the best opportunities throughout the year.
Use a long telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture sharp detail without disturbing the bird at its roost. Position yourself near known nest cavities or roosting trees during winter when the owls are more active & easier to locate. Use a high ISO setting & a wide aperture to manage the low-light conditions typical of dawn & dusk photography in dense forest.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Boreal Owl
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.