Strix uralensis
The Ural Owl, a majestic and formidable raptor of the northern forests, presents a striking appearance with its large size, imposing presence, and distinctive features. Measuring 50-62 cm (20-24 in) in length and boasting a wingspan of 110-134 cm (43-53 in), it weighs between 500-1300 grams (1.1-2.9 lbs), with females typically larger than males. Its plumage is predominantly grayish-brown with heavy dark streaking on the underparts, offering superb camouflage within its woodland habitat. Key ...
The Ural Owl primarily inhabits dense, mature coniferous, mixed, or broadleaf forests, often near clearings, wetlands, or open areas for hunting, from lowlands up to moderate mountain elevations.
Their diet primarily consists of small to medium-sized mammals such as voles, mice, shrews, and young hares, supplemented by small birds, amphibians, and large insects, typically caught by pouncing from a perch.
Ural Owls are predominantly nocturnal and crepuscular, though they can be active during the day, particularly when feeding young or during short winter days. They typically roost in dense tree cover close to the trunk. As sit-and-wait predators, they hunt from a perch, using their exceptional hea...
The Ural Owl boasts a vast Eurasian distribution, spanning from Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, eastwards across the extensive taiga forests of Russia, through Siberia, to Sakhalin Island and northern Japan. Its breeding range covers countries including Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, L...
Least Concern
- The Ural Owl is renowned for its extreme aggression when defending its nest, often attacking humans or large animals with powerful talons if they approach too closely. - It possesses the longest tail among all European owl species, a distinctive feature that aids in identification. - Unlike man...