As a general rule owls are monogamous, that is to say, pairs are comprised
of one male and one female, neither one of which has any involvement with
other nesting birds. This is in contrast to other birds where a single male
may mate with more than one female, and take partial responsibility for the
upbringing of several broods, or the reverse case wherein one female mates
with several mates.
A couple of Saw-Whet Owls.
A pair of Spotted Owls.
With some owl species the pair bonds last only for the duration of the
breeding season, especially if the species involved is dispersive or
migratory. In others, particularly sedentary species such as the Little
Owl, pairs may remain together throughout the year. Tawny Owl pairs are
similarly faithful to one another, their bonds remaining for life.
