H2: Basic Description
The Northern Hawk Owl, also known as Surnia ulula or the Arctic hawk-owl, is a medium-sized bird that belongs to the Strigidae family. This owl species has a unique appearance, with a stocky body and long wingspan that measures up to 105 cm. Its face features yellow eyes surrounded by black circles and white eyebrows. It has greyish-brown feathers on its head and back while its underparts are white with brown streaks.
H2: Where To Find This Bird
Northern Hawk Owls can be found in North America, Europe, and Asia. In North America, they mainly inhabit Alaska and Canada’s boreal forests but have been spotted occasionally in some parts of the United States like Minnesota during winter migration periods.
H2: Habitat
These owls prefer living in dense spruce or pine forests near open areas such as meadows or marshes where they can hunt easily without being obstructed by trees. During breeding season from May to June, they often nest on top of broken-topped trees in remote areas away from human habitats.
H2: Food
Northern Hawk Owls are opportunistic hunters who prey mostly at dawn and dusk when their targets are most active. Their diet consists mainly of small mammals such as voles, rodents, lemmings as well as birds like grouse when there is scarcity of other prey.
H2 Cool Facts
– Unlike typical owls that hoot at night time for communication purposes,Northern hawk owls screech loudly during daytime.
– The northern regions experience consistent daylight even during summer months; therefore,Northern hawk owls have adapted to hunting round-the-clock.
– They possess excellent vision which enables them to locate their prey quickly even under low light conditions.
In conclusion,the Northern Hawk Owl is an intriguing bird species characterized by its unique physical attributes,hunting behavior,and natural habitats. Bird watchers looking to observe this owl species should venture into boreal forests in Canada or Alaska during winter migration periods when they can be spotted occasionally in the United States.
