SW Alaska and central Canada, south through US and central Mexico. A tiny, large-headed, tuftless owl. Adult male and female have similar coloration. Upperparts are grayish brown to reddish brown, with bold white spots on wings.
Underparts are white, with bright cinnamon streaking.
The crown, forehead, and edges of face show narrow white streaks. The bill is dark. This owl may NOT be named, as formerly thought, for its vocalizations, NONE of which really sound like a sharpening, or whetting, of a saw. Prefers conifer forests near swampy area, but will also accept moist, mixed, mature woods. In winter, it favors thick evergreen stands or dense brushy tangles in parks, estates, and even yards, although can sometimes be found in an isolated evergreen.