Ural Owl
Strix uralensis
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Strigiformes · Strigidae
About
The Ural owl is a large nocturnal owl. It is a member of the true owl family, Strigidae. The Ural owl is a member of the genus Strix, that is also the origin of the family's name under Linnaean taxonomy. Both its common name and scientific name refer to the Ural Mountains of Russia where the type specimen was collected. However, this species has an extremely broad distribution that extends as far west as much of Scandinavia, montane eastern Europe, and, sporadically, central Europe, thence sweeping across the Palearctic broadly through Russia to as far east as Sakhalin and throughout Japan. The Ural owl may include up to 15 subspecies, but most likely the number may be slightly fewer if accounting for clinal variations.
Fun Fact
Ural owls defend their nests so aggressively that ornithologists in Finland wear motorcycle helmets during nest checks — a swooping female can deliver strikes powerful enough to draw blood.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Mixed and boreal forests
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
15-20 years
Threats
- Wildfire
- Habitat Fragmentation