Unique among small owls with entirely dark eyes. Finely vermiculated gray plumage looks stained with bits of rust. Surprisingly common in montane forest dominated by pine, often mixed with aspen; one survey in Utah found 47 calling individuals along just five miles of road! Strictly nocturnal; most easily detected when singing low, muffled hoots. Feeds mostly on insects. Highly migratory; moves southward into Mexico for the winter.
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.