DENSITY, DISTRIBUTION, AND HABITAT OF FLAMMULATED OWLS IN IDAHO

From 1990 to 1992 we surveyed for Flammulated Owls (Otus flammeolus) i n 3 areas in Idaho: Salmon National Forest (SNF), Payette National For est and adjacent Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (PNF-HCNRA), an d Net Perce National Forest (NPNF). We also collected and summarized i nformation on all historic and modem records of Flammulated Owls in Id aho. Flammulated Owls were detected on 65% of 68 routes (2-16km in len gth) surveyed at densities ranging from 0.04 to 1.25 singing males/46 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 t he 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 surv eys and summary of distributional records indicate that Flammulated Ow ls occur throughout the montane forests of Idaho in old or mature stan ds of open ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and stands co-dominated by those 2 species. Fire suppressi on and timber harvest activity in ponderosa pine forests represent 2 m ain threats to the species' future security in Idaho. More research on the effects of various silvicultural treatments on Flammulated Owl po pulations is warranted.