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Northern Saw whet owl

well, this week is my last blog post!! here it goes. Today i will be talking about the Northern saw whet owl...

Habitat:

Northern Saw-whet Owls breed in forests across southern Canada and the northern and western United States, extending through central Mexico. They seem to prefer mature forest with an open understory for foraging, deciduous trees for nesting, dense conifers for roosting, and riverside habitat nearby

Food:

Northern Saw-whet Owls eat mostly small mammals, hunting them at night from a low perch along the forest edge. The most common prey are deer mice and white-footed mice, but may include shrews, house mice, harvest mice, pocket mice, jumping mice, montane voles, red-backed voles, meadow voles, heather voles, red tree voles, shrew-moles, bats, and juveniles of larger mammals like pocket gophers, chipmunks, and squirrels.

Nesting:

Females probably choose the nest site, although males sometimes participate by perching in potential sites while giving their too-too-too call. They nest in previously excavated holes (usually those of Northern Flickers or Pileated Woodpeckers) in dead snags. They also use nest boxes.

Behavior:

Although saw-whets are usually monogamous, when prey is abundant each male may have more than one mate. Males start giving their too-too-too call as early as late January, before females arrive, and continue until May. When a female hears a male calling she responds with a high-pitched tssst call or a series of whistles. The male circles her about 20 times in flight before landing beside her and presenting a prey item.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae Genus: Aegolius Species: A. academics

Well until next year...

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Fearful Owl

Hey guys! I’m back again for my weekly blog post. Today I will enlighten your brain cells with my knowledge sprinkles about the Fearful Owl. It’s okay… don’t be afraid, It’s just its name.

Description:

The Fearful Owl is a medium-sized owl with no ear-tufts. The facial disc is dusky around the eyes, becoming rufous towards the prominent rim. The eyebrows and lores are white, forming a prominent white "X" on the face. The eyes are bright yellow. The cere is dark grey, and the bill is blackish and very powerful.

Habitat and Distribution: 

The fearful owl is endemic to the island of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea and to Choiseul Island and to Santa Isabel Island in the Solomon Islands. It is found in old-growth lowland and hill forest. 

Hunting and Food:

This owl feeds on possums and medium-sized birds.

Reproduction:

The breeding habits of the Fearful Owl are not well known. Nests are generally found high up in a large tree on the edge of a clearing, either in a hole in the trunk or a crack or hole in a limb. They will sometimes nest among epiphytes on large fig trees. 

Status: Over Hunting of the northern common cuscus may be threatening the fearful owl, although habitat loss due to logging is the primary cause of population decline.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post. The fearful owl was very interesting to read about if you have a chance to further look into it. Until next week:)

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Blakiston's fish owl

Hey guys! I am back again for my 29th blog post this year:)

Today I will be talking about The Blakiston fish owl. What's fun about this owl is that it is the biggest owl in the WORLD!! Isn’t that cool? Let's get to it!

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae Genus: Bubo Species: B. Blakiston

Description:

The facial disc is tawny-brown with narrow black shaft-stripes and lacks a distinct rim. The iris of the eye is yellow and the bill is greyish. There is a row of small, stiff, whitish feathers above the eyes, around the base of the bill and on the forehead. The chin is largely white. 

Hunting and food:

As their name suggests, Blakiston's Fish Owls feed mainly on fish, sometimes of a considerable size: Amur pike, catfish, burbot, trout, salmon as well as crayfish. They will also take frogs, which are sometimes fed to young in large quantities. In Winter, mammals are also taken, such as hares and martens. 

Breeding:

Egg laying begins as early as mid-March when the ground and trees are still covered with snow. Clutch size is 1-3, normally 2.

Habitat:

Riverine forest and coniferous forest, chiefly along fast-flowing rivers and streams that remain at least partly ice-free in winter. Dense coniferous, mixed and broad-leaved forest in wide river plains offering islands in fast-flowing waters and permanent springs that do not freeze over.

Distribution:

Status:

Rare and endangered  :(((((

Until next week! See you later alligator 

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The Eurasian eagle-owl

Hey guys! This is my 28th blog post. I hope you enjoy this extraordinary Animal!!

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Strigiformes

Family: Strigidae

Genus: Bubo

Species: B. bubo

Description and Behavior:

With their bright orange eyes, mottled feathers, and “ear tufts,” Eurasian Eagle-owls are visually striking animals. Their large, powerful feet and strong flight make them powerful hunters. Like many raptors, these owls are top predators – they hunt other animals for food but no animals hunt them on a regular basis. They are unlike snakes, for example, which prey on mice, birds, and other animals but also are preyed upon by animals that feed on them. For most top predators, their only threat is humans. Top predators, such as the Eurasian Eagle-owl, play an important role in nature by helping to control populations of prey animals and maintain a balance in the ecosystems where they live. Eurasian Eagle-owls are mostly nocturnal, or active at night.

Where they live:

Eurasian Eagle-owls are found throughout much of Europe and Asia and in parts of northern Africa. They live in a variety of wooded habitats. They are more commonly found in areas with rocky outcrops and cliffs, but they also live in open habitats that have some trees and rocky areas like taiga, farmlands, steppes, semi-arid areas, and grasslands.

Nest, eggs, and young:

Eurasian Eagle-owls may be found nesting on ledges, in cave entrances, and within rock crevices on cliffs. They also sometimes use the abandoned nests of other large birds, such as ravens or eagles, and some even nest on the ground. After the female lays her eggs, she spends most of her time incubating them to make sure that the young develop well inside the eggs and hatch into healthy chicks. Meanwhile, the male is responsible for finding food and bringing it to the nest. He will continue this important role after the chicks hatch.

What do they eat?

Eurasian Eagle-owls are not picky eaters. They mainly eat small mammals such as voles, rats, and rabbits but also hunt woodpeckers, herons, and other birds, including other raptors. They also prey on amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects.

Why are they in danger?

These Owls are rare and Growing more and more extinct by the day. During the first half of the 1900s, Eurasian Eagle-owl populations declined drastically. Humans hunted and poisoned them and, as you can imagine, they had a hard time surviving.

Well, that’s all for this week… don’t worry, I will be back;)

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The Eurasian eagle-owl

Hey guys! This is my 27th blog post. I hope you enjoy this extraordinary Animal!!

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Strigiformes

Family: Strigidae

Genus: Bubo

Species: B. bubo

Description and Behavior:

With their bright orange eyes, mottled feathers, and “ear tufts,” Eurasian Eagle-owls are visually striking animals. Their large, powerful feet and strong flight make them powerful hunters. Like many raptors, these owls are top predators – they hunt other animals for food but no animals hunt them on a regular basis. They are unlike snakes, for example, which prey on mice, birds, and other animals but also are preyed upon by animals that feed on them. For most top predators, their only threat is humans. Top predators, such as the Eurasian Eagle-owl, play an important role in nature by helping to control populations of prey animals and maintain a balance in the ecosystems where they live. Eurasian Eagle-owls are mostly nocturnal, or active at night.

Where they live:

Eurasian Eagle-owls are found throughout much of Europe and Asia and in parts of northern Africa. They live in a variety of wooded habitats. They are more commonly found in areas with rocky outcrops and cliffs, but they also live in open habitats that have some trees and rocky areas like taiga, farmlands, steppes, semi-arid areas, and grasslands.

Nest, eggs, and young:

Eurasian Eagle-owls may be found nesting on ledges, in cave entrances, and within rock crevices on cliffs. They also sometimes use the abandoned nests of other large birds, such as ravens or eagles, and some even nest on the ground. After the female lays her eggs, she spends most of her time incubating them to make sure that the young develop well inside the eggs and hatch into healthy chicks. Meanwhile, the male is responsible for finding food and bringing it to the nest. He will continue this important role after the chicks hatch.

What do they eat?

Eurasian Eagle-owls are not picky eaters. They mainly eat small mammals such as voles, rats, and rabbits but also hunt woodpeckers, herons, and other birds, including other raptors. They also prey on amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects.

Why are they in danger?

These Owls are rare and Growing more and more extinct by the day. During the first half of the 1900s, Eurasian Eagle-owl populations declined drastically. Humans hunted and poisoned them and, as you can imagine, they had a hard time surviving. 

Well, that’s all for this week… don’t worry, I will be back;)

[coolmharrisonblog]

The Eurasian eagle-owl

Hey guys! This is my 27th blog post. I hope you enjoy this extraordinary Animal!!

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Strigiformes

Family: Strigidae

Genus: Bubo

Species: B. bubo

Description and Behavior:

With their bright orange eyes, mottled feathers, and "ear tufts," Eurasian Eagle-owls are visually striking animals. Their large, powerful feet and strong flight make them powerful hunters. Like many raptors, these owls are top predators – they hunt other animals for food but no animals hunt them on a regular basis. They are unlike snakes, for example, which prey on mice, birds, and other animals but also are preyed upon by animals that feed on them. For most top predators, their only threat is humans. Top predators, such as the Eurasian Eagle-owl, play an important role in nature by helping to control populations of prey animals and maintain a balance in the ecosystems where they live. Eurasian Eagle-owls are mostly nocturnal, or active at night.

Where they live:

Eurasian Eagle-owls are found throughout much of Europe and Asia and in parts of northern Africa. They live in a variety of wooded habitats. They are more commonly found in areas with rocky outcrops and cliffs, but they also live in open habitats that have some trees and rocky areas like taiga, farmlands, steppes, semi-arid areas, and grasslands.

Nest, eggs, and young:

Eurasian Eagle-owls may be found nesting on ledges, in cave entrances, and within rock crevices on cliffs. They also sometimes use the abandoned nests of other large birds, such as ravens or eagles, and some even nest on the ground. After the female lays her eggs, she spends most of her time incubating them to make sure that the young develop well inside the eggs and hatch into healthy chicks. Meanwhile, the male is responsible for finding food and bringing it to the nest. He will continue this important role after the chicks hatch.

What do they eat?

Eurasian Eagle-owls are not picky eaters. They mainly eat small mammals such as voles, rats, and rabbits but also hunt woodpeckers, herons, and other birds, including other raptors. They also prey on amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects.

Why are they in danger?

These Owls are rare and Growing more and more extinct by the day. During the first half of the 1900s, Eurasian Eagle-owl populations declined drastically. Humans hunted and poisoned them and, as you can imagine, they had a hard time surviving. 

Well, that's all for this week… don’t worry, I will be back;)

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The Flammulated Owl

Hi guys! Today we will discover a rare owl called the Flammulated Owl, While this owl is almost extinct, it still has a few tricks up its sleeve.

This owl is genetically small in size. 

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae Genus: Psiloscops Coues, 1899 Species: P. flammeous

Nesting: 

The flammulated owl nests in tree cavities and has 2–4 young at a time after a 26-day incubation period. The young are able to forage for their own prey after about 25–32 days 

Location:

It is primarily found in open coniferous forest, especially Ponderosa Pine, though habitat preferences change farther south

All about Flammulated owls:

The Flammulated Owl is a complex migrant. Throughout most of western North America, it only occurs during the summer breeding season but is resident in the western and southern Cordilleras of Mexico, only wintering farther south in Guatemala. The Flammulated Owl is a nocturnal species and feeds almost entirely on nocturnal insects, especially owlet moths. It is the only New World member its genus, Otus, a large old world radiation. The New World Screech-Owls (Megascops) are superficially similar but differ in vocalizations and morphology.

Until Next time:)

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The Golden Masked Owl

Hey guys, I’m back again for my 24th blog post. Today I will be talking about the Golden masked owl. 

The Golden Masked Owl is a relatively small barn owl with no ear-tufts. It is also known as the New Britain Masked Owl or New Britain Barn Owl.

Distribution:

Status:

Uncommon to rare.

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae Genus: Tyto Species: T. aurantia

I couldn’t find anything else on this owl. It is going extinct and is a very good example of why we need to keep our forests and trees alive!

Until next time:)

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The snowy Owl

Hey guys, I'm back again... here it goes. Today I will be talking about the famous Snowy Owl (my favorite). 

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae Genus: Bubo Species: B. scandiacus

Habitat:

The snowy owl is typically found in the northern circumpolar region, where it makes its summer home north of latitude 60° north. However, it is a particularly nomadic bird, and because population fluctuations in its prey species can force it to relocate, it has been known to breed at more southerly latitudes

Behavior:

Look for Snowy Owls sitting on or near the ground in wide-open areas. They often perch on rises such as the crests of dunes, or on fenceposts, telephone poles, and hay bales. When they fly they usually stay close to the ground.

Food:

The Snowy Owl has many different types of food that it will consume. They know in their area that when they have an opportunity to get food they should take it. In fact, this is one of the few species of owls that will store up kills for eating later on. Generally, owls will only eat food as soon as they kill it.

Reproduction:

The frozen tundra is where the eggs of the Snowy Owl will be laid. The females can have as many as 8 eggs at a time but 5 is the most common number. The female will stay with them for a period of 30 days to keep them warm and safe from predators. The male does his part by bringing her food and helping to stand watch over the area to keep predators away from them.

That’s it for this week, until nect time;)

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Barred Owl

Hey guys! I’m back again with a new owl. Like always. so here it is.

Today I will be talking about the barred owl. This owl is very beautiful.

Taxonomy: 

Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae Genus: Strix Species: S. varia

Description:

The upper parts are mottled gray-brown. The underparts are light with markings; the chest is barred horizontally while the belly is streaked vertically (hence its name "barred owl"). The legs and feet are covered in feathers up to the talons. The head is round and lacks ear tufts.

Habitat: 

Barred Owls live in large, mature forests made up of both deciduous trees and evergreens, often near water. They nest in tree cavities. In the Northwest, Barred Owls have moved into the old-growth coniferous forest, where they compete with the threatened Spotted Owl.

Diet: 

Mostly small mammals. Eats many mice and other small rodents, also squirrels (including flying squirrels), rabbits, opossums, shrews, other small mammals. Also eats various birds, frogs, salamanders, snakes, lizards, some insects. May take aquatic creatures such as crayfish, crabs, fish.

Behavior:

Hunts by night or day, perhaps most at dawn and dusk. Seeks prey by watching from perch, also by flying low through the forest; may hover before dropping to clutch prey in talons.

Well that's it for this week. I’ll be back;)

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The Barking Owl

I thought only dogs barked?? Get it

So today I will be talking about the Barking Owl.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae Genus: Ninox Species: N. conniving

Description:

The forehead, crown and facial disc are greyish-brown, with the facial disc having an indistinct rim. Eyes are yellow, the cere is greyish, and the bill is greyish-horn to blackish. 

Habitat:

Ideal habitat is an open country with a choice of large trees for roosting and nesting. In southern districts, Barking Owls choose creeks and rivers, particularly with River Red Gums, isolated stands of trees and open woodland.

Food:

Barking Owls are agile and aggressive hunters, taking a wide range of prey. They hunt earlier in the evening and later in the morning than any other Australian Owl, taking many types of birds, including House Sparrow, Magpie Lark, small pigeons, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Laughing and Blue-winged Kookaburra

Breeding:

The male appears to choose the nest site but rarely visits after laying. The nest is in the trunk or large limb of a tree. They will occasionally nest in deep forks of trees, rock crevices, and rabbit burrows. The same site is often used for many years. The female occupies the hollow immediately before laying 2 or 3, occasionally 1, white, dull, almost spherical eggs.

Distribution:

Until next time:) Hope you enjoyed

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Short-Eared Owl

Hey peaple. I’m back again for my 20th blog post. This week I will be talking about the Short-eared owl. 

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae Genus: Asio Species: A. flammeus

Description:

As you may have guessed, the Short Eared Owl doesn’t have very long ears at all. Yet they can hear very well from them. They are small owls with an overall size of 13 to 17 inches when fully grown. The females are several inches taller than the males. They range in color from shades of gray to shades of brown.

Distribution:

This particular species of owl is found everywhere in the world with the exception of Australia. They tend to enjoy the wetter areas which is why they are often found living in marshes. They also live in open field areas along the plains. They live all over the world with the exception of Australia and Antarctica.

Behavior:

This is one of the few species of owls that are known to spend time together for long periods of time. They can form colonies that are on the ground and they will live with each other in harmony. Since most species of owls are isolated and territorial this is quite a significant event to watch.

Food:

Almost all of the diet for the Short Eared Owl is mice. They will also consume small amounts of small birds and shrews

Reproduction:

The females can lay more eggs than most other species of owls. Usually, she will offer 7 eggs but can leave up to 14 of them in the nest. The female will spend about 23 days keeping here eggs safe and warm. Her partner will venture out for food for himself and to bring back to her. They will both care for the young for about six weeks before they leave the nest for good.

That's all for this week, until next time...Peace

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Golden Masked Owl

Hey guys! I’m back again for my 19th blog post.

Today I will be talking about the Golden Masked Owl. 

Scientific classification:

Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae Genus: Tyto Species: T. aurantia

Where are they found?

Endemic to the island of New Britain in Papua New Guinea.

These are very rare Owls to locate. It is also known as the New Britain Masked Owl or New Britain Barn Owl.

Description:

The Golden Masked Owl is a relatively small barn owl with no ear-tufts.

Status:

Uncommon to rare, vulnerable.

Until next week...See ya

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VERREAUX’S EAGLE-OWL

Hey guys! I’m back for my weekly blog posts:)

Today I will be talking about the VERREAUX’S EAGLE-OWL. Here we go...

Description:

The Verreaux’s Eagle Owl is one of the largest species of owls in the world. In fact, it is ranked as number three out there with only the Eurasian Eagle Owl and Blakiston’s Fish Owl being larger. They are approximately 30 inches in length as adults. The wingspan can be more than 6 ½ feet. Thee wings generally will weigh about 7 pounds.

Distribution:

Africa is the main area where you will find this particular species of owl. They tend to do very well in the tropical rainforests. They are also doing well in the Sub Sahara areas. Due to their need for moisture, they aren’t found in the desert areas.

Behavior:

It is true that you may hear these owls in the daylight hours. They aren’t really active during that time of the day though. Instead, they seem to be very light sleepers and they will wake up if they hear noises around them. They make sounds at that time to warn that they are in the area and to aggressively defend it.

Diet:

Due to the large size of the Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, they need to consume larger types of prey than other species of owls. Their diet consists of rabbits, mongoose, and plenty of types of small game. They also consume rates and pigeons if they are readily available their area of residence.

Reproduction:

These owls have a very long breeding season. It lasts from March until September. The females will usually have two eggs but sometimes only one. They will incubate them for about 28 days. She will remain with the eggs from the time they leave her body until they hatch. It is the job of her mate to bring her back enough food for survival.

until next week;)

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Striped Owl

Hey guys! back again for my weekly blog posts. Today I will be talking about The Striped Owl.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae Genus: Pseudoscops Species: P. clamator

Description: The facial disc is brownish-white, with a distinct blackish rim. Eyebrows are short and whitish, and the eyes are brown to cinnamon. Lores are whitish, while the cere is greyish and the bill blackish. The ear-tufts are long and prominent, mostly blackish and somewhat tousled.

Hunting and Food:

Small mammals and birds are its main prey. Mammalian prey includes spiny rats, rice rats, cavies, bats, and opossums.

Habitat:

This owl prefers open or semi-open grassland and savannas with scattered trees, small groves, and bushes.

Breeding:

Two to four eggs are laid in rudimentary nests found on the ground in long grass and dense bushes. The female alone incubates for approximately 33 days

This is the Striped owl! Until next week...

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The Spotted Wood Owl

Hi guys, I’m back again on my 16th blog post! Enjoy!

Today I will be talking about the Spotted Wood Owl. This owl is a very special owl due to its light pattern of feathers on its body. This special body allows it to take a silent flight to attack with the element of surprise.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae Genus: Strix Species: S. seloputo

Where Are They? They are found mostly in Southeast Asia, Sumatra, Java, and the Philippines.

Habitat

The Spotted Wood-owl frequents the edges of evergreen forests and logged forests, plantations, wooded parks, orchards and open forest. It can be noted in ricefields, cultivated areas and sometimes mangroves and open deforested areas. It may be seen sometimes in the vicinity of water.  

Reproduction

The breeding season takes place between January and June in the Malay Peninsula. Young fledglings are visible from March to August. The female lays two white eggs, rarely three, directly on the floor of the nest.

Diet

The Spotted Wood-owl feeds mainly on small rodents, small birds and large insects. It may exceptionally take snakes and bats. It typically hunts from perch.

Well, thats all for today. Until next week:)

[coolmharrisonblog]

Northern Saw-whet owl

Hey guys, its been a long time no see.

So today I will be talking about the Northern Saw-whet Owl. The Northern Saw-whet Owl may have been named for giving a call that sounds like a saw being sharpened on a whetting stone, but there is no consensus as to which of its several calls gave rise to the name.

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae Genus: Aegolius Species: A. acadimus

Habitat and Distribution

Northern Saw-whet Owls breed in forests across southern Canada and the northern and western United States, extending through central Mexico. They seem to prefer mature forest with an open understory for foraging, deciduous trees for nesting, dense conifers for roosting, and riverside habitat nearby.  Saw-whets winter in the dense forest throughout the breeding range and across most of the United States, excluding the southernmost edges.

Food

Northern Saw-whet Owls eat mostly small mammals, hunting them at night from a low perch along the forest edge. During migration, they supplement their diet with birds, such as titmice, chickadees, and kinglets. Males provide nearly all of the food while females are incubating and brooding the young.

Behavior

Although saw-whets are usually monogamous, when prey is abundant each male may have more than one mate. Males start giving their too-too-too call as early as late January, before females arrive, and continue until May. When a female hears a male calling she responds with a high-pitched tssst call or a series of whistles. The male circles her about 20 times in flight before landing beside her and presenting a prey item. Some year-round resident males or pairs probably maintain territories throughout the year, but each year they pair up with new mates.

Nesting

Saw-whets lay their eggs on debris at the bottom of the cavity—such as woodchips, twigs, moss, grass, hair, small mammal bones, or old starling nests—without adding new material to the nest. Nest holes may be 8–44 feet off the ground, and they measure about 3 inches wide and 9–18 inches deep, with an entrance hole 2–3 inches across.

Well, that's all I got for today until next week...