Habitat Requirements
Spotted owls are residents of old-growth or mature forests that posess complex structural components (uneven aged stands, high canopy closure, multi-storied levels, high tree density). Canyons with riparian or conifer communities are also important components. In southern Arizona and New Mexico, the mixed conifer, Madrean pine-oak, Arizona cypress, encinal oak woodlands, and associate riparian forests provide habitat in the small mountain ranges (Sky Islands) distributed across the landscape
Food Habits
Owls feed on small mammals, particularly mice, voles, and woodrats; and will also take birds, bats, reptiles and arthropods. This owl is a "perch and pounce" predator, using elevated perches to find prey items using sight and sound. They can take prey on the wing, particularly birds. Most hunting is at night, however, there are some reports of diurnal foraging.
Movement / Home Range
Mated pairs are territorial. The breeding season activity centers tend to be smaller than the non-breeding season activity area, with considerable overlap between the two. Adults may or may not leave the territory during the winter. Most adults remain on the same territory year after year.
Juveniles leave their natal territory in September, and while they are capable of moving long distances, many successfully establish themselves nearby. Some juveniles will travel through a variety of vegetation communities until they settle down
Reproductive Strategy
Mated pairs of owls defend a breeding territory at least during the nesting season (March through August). Clutch size is small (generally 1 to 3 eggs), and eggs hatch in early May. A second clutch may be laid if the first fails. The females brood the young owlets almost constantly the first couple of weeks, then may be gone hunting for several hours a day. Owlets fledge at 4 to 5 weeks old (early to mid June), and leave the nest befor they can fly; moving to the tree branches or the ground while still under parental care. Dispersal from the nest area usually occurs from mid-September to early October.
Mexican spotted owls breed sporadically, and not all birds nest every year. Local conditions, particularly for the prey base, may govern nesting success.
Other
Actions that open up or remove mature or old-growth forests (logging, wildfire, road or site construction that results in fragmentation of the forest) are detrimental to the local owl population. Human activity (hiking, shooting, off-road vehicle activity) in or near nesting, roosting, or foraging sites may result in abandonment of an area, and indirectly may affect habitat parameters from trampling, vegetation removal, or increased fire risk.
