Reproduction

Pairs of Ural owls are monogamous and will mate for life. They will strengthen their bond a month before the nesting period by calling.

Males will court the female by presenting food to her and performing wing and body movements.

Nests are built in broken trunks or they may take over the nest of another bird. Humans may provide artificial nest boxes which they use as well. Pairs will work to defend their nest and are know to be aggressive in achieving this.

In to this nest a female will deposit between 2 and 6 eggs during March or April which are colored white. The eggs are incubated for 28-29 days by the female alone with the male bringing her food.

Hatchlings have white down and are brooded for the first two weeks once again by the female alone. Chicks take their first flight between 5 and 6 weeks old. The chicks receive care for another 3 to 4 weeks.

Sexual maturity is reached at a year old.

Behavior

Their primary vocalization sounds like a dog’s bark.

These birds are nocturnal with most of their hunting occurring at night. These birds are not particularly active and as such do not move around much during the day.

They have great hearing which allows them to locate food which is buried under the snow.

Predators and Threats

Their main method of avoiding a threat is to freeze. If this does not work they will spread out their wings to try and look larger and more scary.

Ural owls will be outcompeted by Eagle owls where their range overlaps.

Forestry management which removes trees with hollows will take away potential nesting sites for the Ural owl.

Quick facts

Ural owls may also be know as the Ural wood owl.