Fourth smallest medium owl species in Montana
This bird is not commonly found in the US but when food sources are low, they shift down into the northern states, including MT. The males will sing a rolling whistled “udududud” lasting up to 14 seconds during display flights, typically to attract a mate. The females sing a similar song that is shorter and more hoarse sounding.
The alarm call is a sharp screech followed by short raspy chirps. Fledglings sound similar but higher pitched.
