hen the sun
goes down and
the streetlights
turn on, most owls’
days are just getting
started. These mysterious birds
like to keep a low profile, so
although there’s probably at least
one living in your neighborhood,
chances are you’ve never seen it.
Owls are among the most
specialized and highly
adapted bird groups. With their
keen vision and hearing, they
hunt at night for small prey
(think mice, voles and toads).
Fringed feathers ensure silent
flight, while sharp beaks and
talons allow them to grasp and
eat their prey.
These birds rest during the day,
and they can be difficult to see
due to their camouflaged feathers.
One of the best ways to spot an
owl is to pay close attention to
other birds, such as crows and
jays. These smaller birds mob
an owl by harassing it with loud
calls and betraying its hiding spot
in the process. The jury is still
out on why birds do this, but one
theory is that it is an attempt to
drive the owl, a predator, away
from the area.
The next time you suspect an
owl may have moved in down the
street, check out this roundup of
the most common owl varieties
in North America.
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