• HOME
  • NEWS
  • EXPLORE
    • CAREER
      • Companies
      • Jobs
    • EVENTS
    • iGEM
      • News
      • Team
    • PHOTOS
    • VIDEO
    • WIKI
  • BLOG
  • COMMUNITY
    • FACEBOOK
    • INSTAGRAM
    • TWITTER
Friday, October 31, 2025
BIOENGINEER.ORG
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • HOME
  • NEWS
  • EXPLORE
    • CAREER
      • Companies
      • Jobs
        • Lecturer
        • PhD Studentship
        • Postdoc
        • Research Assistant
    • EVENTS
    • iGEM
      • News
      • Team
    • PHOTOS
    • VIDEO
    • WIKI
  • BLOG
  • COMMUNITY
    • FACEBOOK
    • INSTAGRAM
    • TWITTER
  • HOME
  • NEWS
  • EXPLORE
    • CAREER
      • Companies
      • Jobs
        • Lecturer
        • PhD Studentship
        • Postdoc
        • Research Assistant
    • EVENTS
    • iGEM
      • News
      • Team
    • PHOTOS
    • VIDEO
    • WIKI
  • BLOG
  • COMMUNITY
    • FACEBOOK
    • INSTAGRAM
    • TWITTER
No Result
View All Result
Bioengineer.org
No Result
View All Result
Home NEWS Science News Biology

Surprising Findings: Owl Migration Patterns Unveiled by Researchers in Western Montana

Bioengineer by Bioengineer
September 6, 2025
in Biology
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Nightly Owl Tracks
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinShare on RedditShare on Telegram

In recent research that shines a light on the elusive Northern Saw-whet Owl, scientists have unveiled intricate details surrounding the migratory behaviors and stopover patterns of this small, enigmatic species. Conducted over the fall migration periods of 2014 and 2015, the study involved tracking 89 of these owls in the Bitterroot Valley of western Montana. By utilizing advanced telemetry technology, the team was able to observe individual movements and reveal unexpected findings regarding the owls’ migratory strategies.

The Northern Saw-whet Owl, known scientifically as Aegolius acadicus, has long been a subject of interest for ornithologists due to its cryptic nature. The species is not only one of the smallest owls in North America but also notoriously difficult to spot during migration. In this groundbreaking study, researchers implemented a methodology that involved the use of temporary VHF radio transmitters, allowing them to monitor the birds’ movements across varying terrains more accurately than traditional methods, such as banding.

In total, the research team tracked a majority of recently fledged female owls, focusing on their nightly travel distances, which varied significantly. While some owls averaged between three to eight kilometers per night, others traveled much greater distances, with one owl recorded journeys of nearly 66 kilometers in a single night. This variability highlights the importance of habitat and environmental factors influencing individual owl behaviors, particularly as they navigate between roosting sites and migratory destinations.

The researchers were initially surprised by the variability in migration routes as well. Many of the tracked owls did not follow a direct southward path, illustrating the potential for diverse migratory strategies influenced by personal experience or external environmental factors. Furthermore, data from the study indicates that over half of the owls paused at various points during their migration, emphasizing the critical need for safe resting areas along migratory routes.

The authors of the study, led by Kate Stone, express hope that this information can ignite further research into the migration patterns of other less-studied owl species. Understanding the unique ecological needs of the common Saw-whet Owl may facilitate better management practices not just for this species but for others that are at greater risk due to habitat loss and environmental change.

Telemetric studies like this are essential not only due to their innovative data-gathering techniques but also for their potential to adapt and evolve in future research endeavors. Stone mentioned the possibility of employing longer-lasting tracking devices in conjunction with automated systems, such as the Motus wildlife tracking system, which could provide even more comprehensive insights into owl movements.

In conclusion, the Northern Saw-whet Owl’s migration story, now revealed in unprecedented detail, offers vital insights into the life of this diminutive raptor. As researchers continue to study this elusive species, each finding contributes to a broader dialogue surrounding conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding the future of owls and birds throughout North America.

Subject of Research: Animals
Article Title: Migration and Roosting Behavior of Northern Saw-whet Owls (Aegolius acadicus) During Fall Migration in Western Montana
News Publication Date: 18-Mar-2025
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.3356/jrr2432
References: Stone, K., & Ramsey, P. (2025). Migration and Roosting Behavior of Northern Saw-whet Owls (Aegolius acadicus) During Fall Migration in Western Montana. Journal of Raptor Research, 59(2): 1-11. DOI: 10.3356/jrr2432
Image Credits: Stone and Ramsey.
Keywords: Northern Saw-whet Owl, migration, telemetry, conservation, ornithology, habitat, behavior.

Tags: advanced methods in wildlife researchAegolius acadicus migration strategiesBitterroot Valley avian studiescryptic nature of Northern Saw-whet Owlsmigratory behaviors of owlsNorthern Saw-whet Owl migration patternsornithological findings on migrationsmall owl species migration studystopover behavior in migratory owlstelemetry technology in bird trackingVHF radio transmitters in wildlife trackingWestern Montana ornithology research

Tags: avian stopover habitatsBitterroot Valley wildlife researchNorthern Saw-whet Owl migrationraptor conservation strategiestelemetry in ornithology
Share12Tweet8Share2ShareShareShare2

Related Posts

Meerkats Gain Health Benefits Through Group Membership

Meerkats Gain Health Benefits Through Group Membership

October 30, 2025
Prenatal COVID-19 Infection Associated with Elevated Risk of Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Offspring

Prenatal COVID-19 Infection Associated with Elevated Risk of Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Offspring

October 30, 2025

Decoding the Painted Lady Butterfly’s Mitochondrial Genome

October 30, 2025

PhET Interactive Simulations Honored with Meggers Project Award

October 30, 2025

POPULAR NEWS

  • Sperm MicroRNAs: Crucial Mediators of Paternal Exercise Capacity Transmission

    1292 shares
    Share 516 Tweet 323
  • Stinkbug Leg Organ Hosts Symbiotic Fungi That Protect Eggs from Parasitic Wasps

    312 shares
    Share 125 Tweet 78
  • ESMO 2025: mRNA COVID Vaccines Enhance Efficacy of Cancer Immunotherapy

    202 shares
    Share 81 Tweet 51
  • New Study Suggests ALS and MS May Stem from Common Environmental Factor

    136 shares
    Share 54 Tweet 34

About

We bring you the latest biotechnology news from best research centers and universities around the world. Check our website.

Follow us

Recent News

Researchers Discover Novel Energy Potential in Iron-Based Materials

Impact of Childhood Trauma on Autistic Youth Health

UCSB Experimentalists Awarded Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation Grants to Propel New Insights and Innovations

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 67 other subscribers
  • Contact Us

Bioengineer.org © Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Homepages
    • Home Page 1
    • Home Page 2
  • News
  • National
  • Business
  • Health
  • Lifestyle
  • Science

Bioengineer.org © Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved.