Density, distribution, and habitat of Flammulated Owls in Idaho

Authors

Craig Groves, Idaho Conservation Data Center, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Boise, Idaho
Terry Frederick, Idaho Conservation Data Center, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Boise, Idaho
Glenn Frederick, Idaho Conservation Data Center, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Boise, Idaho
Eric Atkinson, Idaho Conservation Data Center, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Boise, Idaho
Melonie Atkinson, Idaho Conservation Date Center, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Boise, Idaho
Jay Shepherd, Idaho Conservation Date Center, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Boise, Idaho
Gregg Servheen, Idaho Conservation Date Center, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Boise, Idaho

Abstract

From 1990 to 1992 we surveyed for Flammulated Owls (Otus flammeolus) in 3 areas in Idaho: Salmon National Forest (SNF), Payette National Forest and adjacent Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (PNF-HCNRA), and Nez Perce National Forest (NPNF). We also collected and summarized information on all historic and modern records of Flammulated Owls in Idaho. Flammulated Owls were detected on 65% of 68 routes (2–16 km in length) surveyed at densities ranging from 0.04 to 1.25 singing males/40 ha. Owls were detected on survey routes as early as 10 May and as late as 23 July. Mean percent canopy cover estimated at owl locations on the PNF-HCNRA and NPNF study sites ranged from 52% to 64%, while shrub cover ranged from 16% to 21% and ground cover was 39% to 49%. Our surveys and summary of distributional records indicated that Flammulated Owls occur throughout the montane forests of Idaho in old or mature stands of open ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and stands co-dominated by those 2 species. Fire suppression and timber harvest activity in ponderosa pine forests represent 2 main threats to the species' future security in Idaho. More research on the effects of various silvicultural treatments on Flammulated Owl populations is warranted.

Recommended Citation

Groves, Craig; Frederick, Terry; Frederick, Glenn; Atkinson, Eric; Atkinson, Melonie; Shepherd, Jay; and Servheen, Gregg (1997) "Density, distribution, and habitat of Flammulated Owls in Idaho," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 57: No. 2, Article 3.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol57/iss2/3