Great Gray Owl - description, habitat, interesting facts

The owl owl is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful birds that live in the vastness of our homeland. Birds of plumage color are gray, with many interspersed in various shades. If you meet her in nature, you can decently wonder at the beauty of the presented individual. Thanks to their plumage, these birds are perfectly masked, literally merging with the environment. This breed variety got its name because of the dark spots located in the lower part of the beak. A whitish edging-collar is seen in the neck, and a beard flaunts below.

Features and Description

1. The individuals of this group belong to the night inhabitants, who are awake and hunt in the dark. The plumage is thick and sticking out, the bird is very fluffy. If we compare the external data and the main characteristics, these individuals are quite powerful and impressive.
2. Owing to their overall characteristics, owls are rather large than medium. Their weight is 900 g. average. The birds grow up to 50 cm in length. In all respects they are inferior to relatives of the owls.
3. In general, all external data are characteristic of the owl family. But there are no ears of feathers on the head, which distinguishes these individuals from the rest. The head seems slanted, big. There are no cute features in the appearance, the birds look pretty intimidating.
4. Beak is high, squeezed from the side. The plumage on the structure is loose and sticking out to the sides. In color, individuals are reddish or grayish. All plumage is covered with spots of brown shade.
5. When a bird moves through its territory at night, it is guided by its locators. They are understood as folds of skin, which are the auricles on the front. They are hidden under a dense plumage, but they perform their function well. Owls over a long distance hear the approaching threat.
6. The hearing aid located on the left side is smaller than in the right section. Usually a similar phenomenon is characteristic of the entire owl family. However, in this species this aspect is expressed so well that the skull is even deformed. As for the shade of the eyes, they are brown, muffled.

Lifestyle

1. These birds are widespread in European countries. They are also found in Asia, on the northern side of Africa, in the United States of America. Owls are not uncommon, but prefer to stay away from humans. Also in the vastness of our country there are these representatives of the family.
2. Owls, common in Siberia and the Urals, have a predominantly grayish tone of plumage. If the birds live in the south or north of the mainland, then they are reddish in tone with a light brownish tone. Those birds that live in the Caucasus are pigmented in coffee and brown with black spots.
3. These birds are interesting in terms of behavior, they are very brave, for their family or couple they tear to pieces even a strong predator. Choose a mate for life, by nature monogamous. When sent to choose a place of residence, they are guided by the presence of edges and clearings. From these places the best view and, as a result, the ability to catch prey.
4. In the way of life, these birds are similar to other inhabitants of the owl family. Actively spend time at night, prepare in advance for sorties, gain strength. When the sun is at sunset, birds begin to make daring and bloodthirsty attacks.
5. Due to the wide wings, the flight is very quiet, there are no air shakes. Prey does not have time to understand what is the matter, as it immediately becomes eaten.Silence is considered a distinctive feature of these birds; they speak little and practically do not overlap. This can happen only at night during the hunt.
6. Birds in their characteristics lead a sedentary lifestyle. They can leave a warmed place, migrating to other regions for the winter period. But this is extremely rare. However, experienced specialists have not established what exactly affects this behavior.
7. Birds are always on the alert, especially in the daytime. They are prepared for danger. If, in their opinion, a threat is coming, then the individuals immediately squeeze the plumage and become literally invisible among the trees. They can either rush into the attack, or leave the place absolutely without noise.
8. Considered representatives of their own species can stand up for themselves. If one of the strangers approaches the owl’s nest, it will defend itself very cruelly. Moreover, such birds are not afraid even of bears. Therefore, it is better for especially curious and predators to bypass the nests of these owls.
9. Protecting their own chicks, owls leave deep scars and even peck out the eyes of the offenders. Even during skirmishes and serious fights with hawks, the considered individuals always remain winners. It is worth noting that the owls are trying to stay on their own territory, they also respect the borders of other relatives.
10. As soon as an uninvited guest enters such territory, these birds begin to actively drive him away. At the same time, the owls begin to shout loudly and indignantly. Birds also exhibit threatening behavior. Owls without any fear attack dogs, foxes, cats and humans. It is worth noting that they ignore provocations of annoying ravens.

Nutrition

1. The considered individuals in ancient Russia were called insatiable creatures, hence the name owls. It is worth noting that the owl, although nocturnal predators, they do not try to attack large prey.
2. Owls at night visit the dense forest thickets. They glide silently in flight between the trees, looking for various small rodents. Often the victims are shrews and mouse voles. Often, owls attack from an ambush of gaping victims.
3. Literally in a split second, the owl catches up with its prey. During the hunt, the considered individuals rely not only on vision, but also excellent hearing. In most cases, an owl accurately attacks the victim at a distance of 6 m.
4. Represented individuals often settle close to people who have agricultural land. As a result, owls make life easier for farmers when they catch small rodents. Such birds often attack small birds, which are active at night.
5. Often, such owls cause many problems for hunters. The problem is that the owls steal the skins of small animals and sables. Birds simply take prey from traps. The robbers do not have time to come for the trophy. In addition, owls feed on amphibians, invertebrates, and various reptiles.

Breeding

1. Often the nests of the considered individuals are located in the hollows of forest trees. Most often, the dwellings are located on the cleared edges, not far from the moss swamps and under the roof of abandoned houses. Often, such owls lay eggs for other birds.
2. When birds hatch on their own, the young growth appears after 5 weeks. After another 1 month, the chicks become winged and leave the parental home. They become fully independent after another 3-4 months.

The considered individuals have a unique character. Parents always violently defend their offspring and nest. Therefore, you should not walk alone through night forests, and even more so look for homes of obscure animals. At best, you will return with deep abrasions.

Video: bearded owl (Strix nebulosa)