Ural owl (Strix uralensis)

Ural Owl (Strix uralensis)

The Ural Owl is a large, powerful owl found in the forests of northern and eastern Europe and Asia. Known for its impressive size, silent flight, and haunting calls, it is a true symbol of old-growth woodlands. Unlike some owls, it is partly diurnal and can sometimes be seen during the day, especially in northern latitudes.

🦉 Identification

• Length: 50–60 cm
• Wingspan: 110–134 cm
• Weight:
  • Males: 500–850 g
  • Females: 700–1,300 g (females larger)

Appearance:

• Plumage: Pale grey to brownish-grey with fine streaks
• Facial disc: Round, pale grey with darker framing; no ear tufts
• Eyes: Dark brown to black (unlike many owls which have yellow or orange eyes)
• Beak: Yellow
• Tail: Long and rounded — one of the longest-tailed owls in Europe

The Ural Owl’s size and long tail help distinguish it from similar owls like the Tawny Owl.

🌿 Habitat

• Prefers:
  • Mature deciduous and mixed forests
  • Coniferous forests with open areas nearby
  • Often associated with old-growth woodlands that provide large trees for nesting and open spaces for hunting.
• Found in:
  • Boreal forests
  • Mountainous forests
  • Lowland forests with wetlands

🍽️ Diet

Carnivorous:

• Feeds mainly on:
  • Small mammals (voles, mice, shrews)
  • Occasionally birds, frogs, insects, and amphibians
• May take larger prey such as squirrels, weasels, or young hares

Hunts mostly at night, but can also hunt at dawn, dusk, and even during the day.

🔁 Behavior & Life Cycle

Breeding:

• Breeding season: March to May
• Nests in:
  • Natural tree cavities
  • Old woodpecker holes
  • Broken tree trunks
  • Sometimes large nest boxes or abandoned raptor nests
• Clutch size: 2–4 eggs
• Incubation: ~27–35 days
• Chicks fledge after 5–6 weeks but may remain dependent for months

Behavior:

• Mostly sedentary (non-migratory)
• Extremely territorial during breeding season; known for aggressive nest defense, even attacking humans who approach too closely.
• Silent flight allows it to surprise prey.

Vocalizations:

• The typical call: deep, resonant, rhythmic hoots — “whoo-whoo-whoo” — often heard during breeding season.
• Pairs may duet; juveniles produce high-pitched begging calls.

🌍 Distribution

• Europe: Scandinavia, Baltics, Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and Central Europe (locally)
• Asia: Russia (widely), Siberia, Central Asia, parts of East Asia (including Japan)

In many areas, it is associated with wilderness and intact forest ecosystems.

🧬 Interesting Facts

• One of the most aggressive owls during the nesting period — researchers often wear helmets when approaching nests.
• Despite its size, it can fly almost silently thanks to specialized feathers.
• Its long tail helps it maneuver through dense forests while hunting.
• In folklore, its haunting calls are often associated with mystery and wilderness.

🛡️ Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern
• Still widespread, but vulnerable to:
  • Deforestation
  • Loss of old-growth forest
  • Habitat fragmentation

Protected in many parts of its range; conservation efforts focus on preserving large, undisturbed forests and maintaining nesting sites.

The Ural Owl (Strix uralensis) is a true guardian of the northern forests — a large, powerful, and beautiful predator that thrives in mature, undisturbed woodlands. Its presence is a sign of healthy, intact forest ecosystems.