Creature Feature – Owl Always Love You

Whooo doesn’t love owls? From pint-sized hooters on up to those bearing a looming presence, these enchanting raptors have captured our hearts. Over 230 owl species are found on every continent except Antarctica. Yes, owls are all around us, but due to their nocturnal behaviors, cryptic plumage, and reclusive ways, we rarely detect their presence. 

Winter is a good time to look for owls. They spend most of the daytime perched quietly, but often leave behind clues pointing to their favorite roosting tree: telltale signs like splashes of white guano on the trunk or regurgitated ‘owl pellets’ on the ground (clumps of undigested bones and fur). Winter is also a good time to listen for owls, when certain species – like the great horned owl pictured here – grow more vocal as they renew pair bonds. During this time, enamored mates call back and forth in passionate duets. Note though, that not all owls hoot! For example, the barn owl screeches; the eastern screech owl whinnies and trills; and the northern saw-whet makes repetitive flute-like whistles, “toot-toot, toot-toot, toot-toot…!”  

Although each species is unique, owls share some commonalities. Firstly, tube-shaped eyes provide super-sharp focus but prevent their eyes from moving in their sockets; Consequently, owls must turn their heads to track movement — but since they can rotate their heads up to 270 degrees, this is no problem! Owls also have asymmetrical ears that pinpoint sounds with astounding precision. As well, they can fly in near silence, thanks to specialized soft-edged feathers, making them super stealthy.

Since owls hunt and eat A LOT of rodents, they are extremely susceptible to rodenticide poisoning. Poisoned mice and rats are easy to catch, and when owls swallow them, they suffer fatal internal hemorrhaging. If you give a hoot about owls, please show them some love by saying “NO” to rodenticides. 

Article by Margie Manthey
Photo by Francis Roy-Moreau