Here’s a full and detailed overview of the Ural Owl (Strix uralensis), one of Europe and Asia’s most impressive forest-dwelling owls.

🦉 **Ural Owl (Strix uralensis)**

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Strigiformes
Family: Strigidae
Genus: Strix
Species: S. uralensis

Common name: Ural Owl
Scientific name: Strix uralensis

Identification

The Ural Owl is a large, long-tailed owl with a round head and no ear tufts. It is easily recognized by its pale facial disc, dark eyes, and softly streaked plumage.

Length: 50–59 cm
Wingspan: 110–134 cm
Weight: 500–1300 g (females larger than males)
Plumage:
- Greyish-brown or pale grey with fine dark streaks
- Whitish facial disc bordered by a darker rim
- Long, rounded tail with light and dark bands
Eyes: Dark brown to almost black
Beak: Yellow, strong, and slightly curved
Legs: Fully feathered for insulation in cold climates

Its flight is silent and buoyant, with deep wingbeats, often gliding between trees.

Distribution and Range

The Ural Owl is widespread across northern Eurasia, from Scandinavia through eastern Europe, Russia, and Siberia, extending into Japan and Korea.

Habitat

Prefers dense mixed or coniferous forests with:

Old trees suitable for nesting
Nearby clearings, meadows, or forest edges for hunting

Also found in mountainous regions and mature deciduous forests.

Nesting sites include tree cavities, abandoned nests of other large birds, or nest boxes.

Behavior

Activity: Mostly nocturnal, though may hunt during the day—especially in northern regions during long daylight hours.
Territorial: Extremely defensive near the nest; known to dive aggressively at intruders, including humans.
Vocalization:
- Deep, far-carrying hoots: “hoo-hoo-hoo-hooo”
- Females utter shorter, sharper calls
- Calls are most frequent during courtship and breeding season

Diet

The Ural Owl is a powerful hunter, feeding mainly on:

Small mammals — voles, mice, shrews, and sometimes squirrels
Small birds
Frogs, insects, and occasionally fish

It hunts from perches, gliding silently to seize prey with its strong talons.

Reproduction

Breeding season: March–June (earlier in southern areas)
Nest: In tree hollows, old raptor nests, or large nest boxes
Clutch size: 2–6 white eggs
Incubation: 27–34 days (female only; male provides food)
Fledging: 30–35 days after hatching

Chicks are fed by both parents. The female fiercely protects the nest, often attacking perceived threats.

Lifespan

Average: 10–12 years
Maximum recorded: Over 20 years in the wild

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC)
Population trend: Stable to increasing in many areas
Threats:
- Deforestation and loss of old-growth forest
- Habitat fragmentation
- Traffic accidents and human disturbance near nests

Nest-box programs have successfully supported populations in Central and Northern Europe.

Ecological Role

Key predator regulating rodent populations
Indicator species of healthy, mature forest ecosystems
Contributes to maintaining biodiversity by controlling small mammal numbers

Predators and Threats

Natural predators: Rare; large raptors like eagles or goshawks may occasionally prey on juveniles.
Main threats: Logging, road mortality, and nest disturbance.

Key Identification Points

Feature	Description
Scientific name	Strix uralensis
Common name	Ural Owl
Family	Strigidae
Length	50–59 cm
Wingspan	110–134 cm
Eyes	Dark brown
Plumage	Pale grey, streaked
Habitat	Mixed and coniferous forests
Diet	Small mammals, birds
Conservation status	Least Concern

Interesting Facts

The Ural Owl is one of Europe’s largest owls, nearly the size of the Great Grey Owl but more compact.
It can attack humans who approach its nest too closely — bird researchers wear helmets for protection.
Known for silent flight and exceptional low-light vision.
In Finland and Estonia, it’s considered a symbol of old, wild forests.

Summary

The Ural Owl (Strix uralensis) is a powerful, long-tailed owl inhabiting the vast forests of northern and central Eurasia. With its pale streaked plumage and haunting hoots, it epitomizes the deep, undisturbed woodlands it calls home. Fiercely territorial and an efficient hunter of small mammals, the Ural Owl plays a vital role in forest ecosystems and remains one of Europe’s most charismatic nocturnal predators.