Dispersal habitat: Forest vegetation with at least 40% canopy closure and an average stand diameter of 11". These stands are used by the owls to disperse or move from one area of nesting or foraging habitat to another.
Foraging habitat: Forest vegetation with the age class, species of trees, structure, sufficient area, and adequate food source to meet the needs of foraging spotted owls. This type of habitat includes nesting habitat, but it also includes younger stands, generally greater than 18" DBH with some of the structural components of nesting habitat.
Nesting habitat: Forest vegetation with the age class, species of trees, structure, sufficient area, and adequate food source to meet the needs of a nesting pair of spotted owls. This type of habitat is found generally in older forests with multiple canopies, large diameter trees, and abundant large standing and down woody debris.