Ural owl (Strix uralensis)

The Ural Owl (Strix uralensis) is a large and powerful forest-dwelling owl, one of Europe and Asia’s most characteristic nocturnal raptors.

🔹 Physical Description:

• Size: 50–62 cm in length, wingspan 110–135 cm.
• Weight: 600–1,300 g (females larger than males).
• Appearance:
  • Pale grey to brownish plumage with fine streaks, giving a mottled look.
  • Round head without ear tufts.
  • Yellow bill, dark eyes, and a pale facial disk framed with darker edges.
  • Long tail compared to many other owl species.

🔹 Habitat & Distribution:

• Found across northern and central Europe, Russia, and eastwards into Siberia, Korea, and Japan.
• Prefers dense boreal and mixed forests, often near clearings, bogs, or woodland edges where hunting is easier.

🔹 Behavior:

• Nocturnal, though sometimes active at dusk and dawn.
• Diet: Mainly small mammals (voles, mice, squirrels), but also birds, frogs, and insects.
• Hunts by perching silently and swooping down with powerful talons.
• Call: A deep, resonant “hoo-hoo-hoo” series, carrying far through the forest.

🔹 Breeding:

• Nests in tree cavities, old raptor nests, or specially provided nest boxes.
• Lays 2–6 eggs in March–April.
• Female incubates while male provides food.
• Chicks fledge after about 5 weeks but remain dependent on parents for some time.

🔹 Conservation:

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern.
• Locally threatened by habitat loss (logging and forest fragmentation).
• In parts of Europe, populations are stable or even increasing due to nest box programs.

🌲 Fun Fact:

The Ural Owl is known for defending its nest fiercely — it has been documented attacking humans and large animals that approach too close, making it one of the more aggressive owls during breeding season.

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