Tiny, almost sparrow-sized, owl of coniferous and mixed forests. Note staring golden eyes, white eyebrows, and fine pale spotting on the crown. Most active around dusk and dawn, but can be seen hunting in the daytime as well. Sometimes perches atop conifers, but more often rather inconspicuous; can be quite bold when encountered. Song is a varied series of whistled toots, usually given around dawn and dusk and easily imitated.
Exotic species flags differentiate locally introduced species from native species.
Naturalized: Exotic population is self-sustaining, breeding in the wild, persisting for many years, and not maintained through ongoing releases (including vagrants from Naturalized populations). These count in official eBird totals and, where applicable, have been accepted by regional bird records committee(s).
Provisional: Either: 1) member of exotic population that is breeding in the wild, self-propagating, and has persisted for multiple years, but not yet Naturalized; 2) rarity of uncertain provenance, with natural vagrancy or captive provenance both considered plausible. When applicable, eBird generally defers to bird records committees for records formally considered to be of "uncertain provenance". Provisional species count in official eBird totals.
Escapee: Exotic species known or suspected to be escaped or released, including those that have bred but don't yet fulfill the criteria for Provisional. Escapee exotics do not count in official eBird totals.