A striking and fascinating bird of prey known for its distinctive appearance and impressive hunting skills. This medium to large-sized owl is found across a broad range of habitats in Europe and Asia, particularly in forests from Scandinavia to Japan. The Ural owl stands out with its round face, dark eyes, and lack of ear tufts, giving it a classic, almost ghostly owl look. Its plumage is primarily gray or brown with fine streaks and bars, which provide excellent camouflage against the forest backdrop.
One of the most notable characteristics of the Ural owl is its large, expressive eyes. These dark eyes are set in a round facial disk that helps funnel sound to its ears, giving it an incredible sense of hearing. This ability is crucial for locating prey in the dark, as Ural owls are primarily nocturnal hunters. They have powerful talons and a strong beak, which they use to catch and kill a variety of prey, including rodents, birds, and insects. Their flight is nearly silent, thanks to special feather adaptations that minimize noise, allowing them to surprise their prey effortlessly.
The Ural owl’s call is another distinctive feature. It has a deep, resonant hoot that can carry over long distances, especially during the breeding season. These calls are used to communicate with mates and to establish territory. The male’s call is often a series of rhythmic hoots, while the female’s call is softer and more varied. Hearing their haunting calls echo through the forest at night is an unforgettable experience for those lucky enough to witness it.
Distribution
Albania
Austria
Belarus
Bosnia And Herz.
Bulgaria
China
Croatia
Czechia
Estonia
Finland
Germany
Hungary
Italy
Japan
Korea
Latvia
Lithuania
Mongolia
Montenegro
North Korea
North Macedonia
Norway
Poland
Romania
Russia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Sweden
UkraineAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
