The owl is a medium-sized, robustly built, nocturnal bird of prey, with a rounded head lacking external beaks (“spikes”), plumage that varies between reddish-brown and ashy-gray morphs, and a uniform facial disc with large, dark eyes. Its short, broad wings allow it to fly silently, and auditory adaptations (asymmetrical ears and numerous auditory neurons) give it the ability to locate prey in the dark.
Habits
The owl is predominantly nocturnal and solitary, spending the day in natural nests (tree holes, abandoned corvid nests or rock crevices) and hunting from a perch by suddenly launching itself at rodents, small birds and occasionally invertebrates; it is territorial, maintaining the same range throughout the year and reacting aggressively to intruders with shrill calls.
Reproduction
Owls reach sexual maturity at about one year of age; pairs are generally monogamous for life and defend their territory together. Mating occurs in spring, the female lays 2–4 eggs in a natural nest, and incubation lasts about 28–35 days, during which the male brings food to the female and the newborn chicks.
Distribution
This species is widespread in temperate and mixed forests in Europe (from the Iberian Peninsula to Scandinavia and western Russia), western Siberia and parts of northwestern Africa, and is also adapted to urban areas with parks and cemeteries that provide wooded habitats and water sources.
