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Boreal Owl
Aegolius funereus

IUCN Status: Least concern.
Size: Length; 28cm. Weight; 195g.
Habitat and distribution: Europe. Forests and woodlands.
Age: Up to 8 years.
Breeding: Nest in tree cavities. Lay up to 6 eggs which the female incubates for 29 days. Chicks fledge at around 36 days.
Diet: Small mammals, birds and insects.
- Also known as Tengmalm's Owl.
- 189 species make up the family Strigidae (typical owls, but excluding Barn Owls).
- Females are generally larger than males.
- Owls have excellent hearing; their disc–shaped faces are designed to direct the slightest sound to the large ear openings.
- An owl’s neck has twice as many vertebrae as a human’s, which enables them to rotate their heads 270 degrees.
- Their eyes are designed for optimum binocular vision in low light; these adaptations allow them to locate prey easily.
- Finally their feathers are specially adapted to allow them to fly silently; this enables them to catch prey before being detected.
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