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Range
Canada south to New
Jersey, continuing in mountains to South Carolina. Non-resident
in Virginia, but winters here in limited numbers.
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Size
| Length |
7-8
inches |
| Wingspan |
17-21 inches |
| Weight |
4-6 ounces |
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Habitat
Coniferous forest bordering wetlands, with
lush deciduous growth; also mixed stands, swamps and
woodlots.
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Diet
Woodland rodents such as mice and shrews.
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Characteristics
Head looks large in proportion to its body; no
ear tufts. Very tame, but small, nocturnal and easily
overlooked. Migrates; has a very large increase in migrating
numbers (an "irruption") about every 30 years.
Nests in cavities in dead stubs, mostly old flicker nests.
Call is a mellow whistled note repeated mechanically in
endless succession. Common name is derived from call's
resemblance to sound of a saw being sharpened. |
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