URAL OWL
Phylum – Chordata
Class – Aves
Order – Strigiformes
Family – Strigidae
Genus – Strix
Species – Strix uralensis
The Ural Owl is found in Europe and Asia, from Scandinavia to Japan. It inhabits forested regions, particularly coniferous and mixed forests. Lifespan in the wild -up to 15 years, in captivity – up to 25 years. Males weight – 500-800 g, females – 700-1300 g. Body length – 50-60 cm, wingspan – 110-135 cm. Ural Owls are monogamous, forming lifelong pairs. They nest in tree hollows, abandoned nests of other birds, or artificial nest boxes. The clutch usually consists of 2-4 eggs, which the female incubates for about a month. Chicks leave the nest after 5-6 weeks. These owls are primarily nocturnal but can also be active at dusk. They are territorial and aggressively defend their area. The Ural Owl is a carnivore, feeding on small mammals (mice, voles), birds, amphibians, and large insects.
The Ural Owl symbolizes wisdom and calmness in many cultures. In European folklore, its call was believed to foretell significant events.
According to the IUCN classification, the Ural Owl is listed as “Least Concern,” although some populations are declining due to deforestation.
5 Interesting Facts:
- The Ural Owl has exceptional hearing, allowing it to detect prey even under snow or grass.
- It can survive in extremely low temperatures and remains active throughout winter.
- Its call resembles a howl or deep hoot, audible from several kilometers away.
- These owls fiercely defend their nests, attacking even large predators and humans.
- Their eyes are fixed in their sockets, so they rotate their heads up to 270° for a better field of vision.
