UKBirds

Tengmalm's Owl

Aegolius funereus

The Boreal Owl is a small owl. It is also known as the Tengmalm's Owl after Swedish naturalist Peter Gustaf Tengmalm. Other names for the owl include Richardson's Owl, Funeral Owl (latin: funereus), Sparrow Owl and Pearl Owl (Finnish: helmipöllö). This species is a part of the larger grouping of owls known as typical owls, Strigidae, which contains most species of owl. The other grouping is the barn owls, Tytonidae.

The Boreal Owl is 22-27 centimetres (8.7-11 in) long with a 50-62 centimetres (20-24 in) wingspan. It is brown above, with white flecking on the shoulders. Below it is whitish streaked rust color. The head is large, with yellow eyes and a white facial disc, and a "surprised" appearance. The beak is yellow light colored rather than a dark beak like its relative, the Northern Saw-whet Owl. The flight is strong and direct. Young birds are chocolate brown.