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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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