An uncommon raptor that nests in old barns, caves, or occasionally dense trees and other abandoned structures, this night owl usually roosts during daylight hours. Flying on silent wings, the solitary hunter glides over marshes, brushy areas, agricultural lands, and open grasslands of Oklahoma.
Generally heard only at night, the dark-eyed wonder tends to hiss and screech. A ghostly appearing and silent bird, the ghost owl hunts for mice and voles and they are able to see very little movement in the night. Since they can see in the ultraviolet spectrum, they easily observe the urine trail of rodents, which they are able to easily locate.
White owls swallow their mice, voles, or rats whole, then they cough up pellets twice a day. One can earn a great deal from these pellets, especially ecosystems, which is another topic altogether.
Barn Owl
Osage County, OK 2016
Surprisingly, the females are showier than males, making this raptor a dimorphic species. A top quality female will be more reddish- and more heavily spotted on the breast. This may have something to do with the fact that they are less susceptible to parasitic flies and other disease. This quality appears to keep the male more attentive to the nest and it inhabitants when the young hatch.
Sweet heart owls become mature for nesting in their first year, so if there is an owl in your area and there is increased screeching, chances are good that breeding activity is in order.
Nest boxes can attract a breeding pair of these unusual owls, since they do not build their own nests.
This is a valuable resource for building nest boxes if you live in the right location or have access to one. You could even donate a box to a bird rescue organization or a national wildlife refuge. Loss of habitat always has a negative effect on birds.
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