![]() We hope, with knowledge and understanding of the owl’s true character, these fears and misgivings will be replaced by tolerance and respect for these unique birds. Unfortunately, superstitions and untruths about owls still persist which have subjected this group of birds to unwarranted suspicion and persecution. Owls pose no threat to humans, although adult birds will defend their territory and their young against any intruders, human or otherwise. Fish and Wildlife Service and the State of New Jersey. It is illegal to kill or capture an owl it is also illegal to possess an owl, living or dead, without the proper permits from both the U.S. All owls are protected by state and federal regulations. The Barred Owl, for example, a year-round dweller in swamps and deep woods, is on the Threatened Species list in New Jersey because of diminishing habitat. There have been some adverse effects on certain species due mainly to habitat loss and other environmental factors. Some species, like the Screech Owl and Great-horned Owl, live here year-round others, like the Snowy Owl and the Saw-whet Owl, are winter visitors.Įven though we live in a part of the country that is densely inhabited, most of our native owl populations appear stable. There are eighteen species of owls in North America eight of these can be found in our area. These pellets, found at roosting sites, can be examined to determine the owl’s diet. The owl’s digestive system assimilates the nutritious portions of the prey the undigested parts (hair, bones, claws, teeth, etc.) are regurgitated in the form of pellets. If the prey is small enough, it is swallowed whole otherwise the food is torn apart by the owl’s strong, hooked beak. Owls seize their prey, usually a rodent or other small mammal, and kill it with their powerful feet. Special adaptations such as wide wings, lightweight bodies and unusually soft, fluffy feathers allow them to fly silently. Hunting at night, owls use their extraordinary vision and excellent hearing to locate their prey. Because of this nocturnal (nighttime) existence, they are little known and often misunderstood, even though some owls live their entire lives in close proximity to man. Although some owl species are diurnal (active by day), most owls hunt at night and are seldom observed by humans. An owl killing and eating another animal is no different from a robin eating a worm or a gull eating a fish. It seldom upsets anything except perhaps a few people. This predation is neither cruel nor wasteful and has been going on for millions of years. Accessible at are predators–they catch, kill and eat other animals in order to survive. Listen Crested Owl Call Ĭitation: Peter Boesman, XC272098. The crested owl’s call is distinct, sounding like a low-pitched hoot followed by a series of high-pitched whistles. Listen African Wood Owl Call Ĭitation:Peter Boesman, XC347067. The African wood owl has a distinct call that consists of a series of low hoots followed by a descending trill. Listen Ural Owl Call Ĭitation: Lars Edenius, XC661941. The Ural owl’s call is distinct, sounding like a low, deep hoot followed by a series of high-pitched hoots. It sounds like a long, drawn-out “whoo-whoo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-o Listen Blakiston’s fish Owl Call Ĭitation: Sergey Surmach, XC692538. The deep, booming call of the Blakiston’s fish owl can be heard from several miles away. Blakiston’s fish owl ( Bubo blakistoni doerriesi) They also make a variety of other sounds such as barks and hisses. Spotted owls have a distinct call that sounds like a series of hoots followed by a trill. Listen Boreal Owl Call Ĭitation: Stein Ø. They also make chirps and hoots as well as other calls. The boreal owl has a gentle, soft call that sounds like a series of whistles. Listen Elf Owl Call Ĭitation: Tim Marquardt, XC180166. The elf owl has a whistling, high-pitched call that sounds like “poo-poo-poo.” They also make a variety of other sounds such as barks and hisses. ![]() Listen Spectacled Owl Call Ĭitation: Mauricio Cuellar Ramirez XC592818. The spectacled owl has a unique call that sounds like a series of barks followed by a series of hoots. Spectacled owl ( Pulsatrix perspicillata) ![]() Listen Northern pygmy Owl Call Ĭitation: Lance A. The Northern pygmy-owl has a high-pitched call that sounds like “toot-toot-toot,” which it uses to communicate with its mate and establish territory. Northern pygmy-owl ( Glaucidium californicum) Accessible at Are All Owls Nocturnal? 13. It sounds like a long, drawn-out “huuuh-hu-hu-hu-hu-hu-hu-hu-hu-hu-hu-hu-hu Listen Eurasian eagle Owl Call Ĭitation: Jarek Matusiak, XC745773. The Eurasian eagle-owl has a deep, booming call that can be heard from several miles away. Listen Tawny Owl Call Ĭitation: Rafał Szczerbik, XC742876. They also make various other sounds, such as hisses and screams. The tawny owl’s call is distinct, sounding like a series of hoots followed by a long trill.
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