Within the varied number of birds that exist, we find the order Strigiformes, which in turn is divided into two families: Strigidae, which groups true or typical owls, and Tytonidae, which includes to barn owls. These families differ mainly in certain anatomical features, their diversity, since the first is much broader than the second, and in distribution, which in the case of Strigidae also has a much greater range, as we explain in this other article.: "Where do owls live?".
In this article on our site we will focus on explaining what owls eat Although the names owl and owl are often used interchangeably owl, we already know that they belong to different families, so we will talk about the feeding of owls, not about owls. Dare to continue reading.
Are owls carnivores?
Before delving into the food they consume, it is important to know the type of diet of owls. Owls, like barn owls, are a type of bird of prey, so their diet is based on capturing other animals and, therefore,, the answer to the question is yes, owls are carnivores
These birds have several peculiar characteristics that allow them to be very efficient predators. Thus, on the one hand, we can mention their powerful claws, which help them handle prey with agility, even larger than them. They also have very well developed senses, such as vision, which is not common in all birds, but in the case of owls, their ocular anatomy allows them to be more sensitive to light, soThey are excellent night hunters Another of the developed senses of these animals is hearing, which is extremely sensitive and can easily detect their prey.
Finally, various species of owls have feathers adapted to make the bird very quiet while it flies, so it is not easy for its prey to hear them as they approach.
What do baby owls eat?
At birth, baby owls depend totally on their parents, therefore, their food will be what they provide, and as we already know they are carnivorous birds. Although there may be some peculiarities between owl species as to who feeds and provides more protection to the newborns, in general it is the male who goes out hunting and brings dead prey back to the nest. The female then breaks the food into pieces to provide to the chicks. Only in certain cases is the male the one who is mainly in charge of feeding the chicks.
In this sense, baby owls eat pieces of meat offered by their parents. The particular food they consume will depend on the type of prey available in the habitat.
How to feed a baby owl?
In certain areas it is common to find baby owls that have fallen from the nest or that, when they start to fly, since they cannot fly long distances, they cannot reach a tree or near their parents. If we find a baby owl, after making sure it's not in danger from nearby pets or being stepped on by people or vehicles, we can wait a while to see if the parents arriveand manages to return to them.
If the above does not happen, what to do if we find a baby owl? It would be appropriate to use a cloth to pick up the bird and take it to a wildlife recovery center, reserve or refuge where it is received and given specialized care. But if this option is not possible for the moment, then we can take the little one home and offer him some care to prevent him from dying.
It is important to regulate the temperature of the space where we will place it, remember that it is a baby and is susceptible to environmental conditions, for which should not be in any extreme condition. On the other hand, using a syringe, you can offer drops of water to prevent dehydration, always little by little so that you do not drown.
Regarding what and how to feed a baby owl, we must bear in mind how important it is to try to imitate what that they eat when they are free, which we already know are pieces of prey that their parents offer them. In this sense, any food that is provided should be ground or finely chopped, and raw!
Among the food options that are considered for a baby owl we have:
- Fresh ground chicken with carcass and skin.
- Rabbit meat.
- Other ground poultry with some of the carcass and skin.
- Fish.
- Beef.
Owls are not domestic birds, they are delicate animals that must be in their habitats and free. For this reason, from our site we always recommend following the recommendations exposed to save the bird, but then take it to a fauna recovery center so that it can be released when the time comes.
What do adult owls eat?
Owls, as carnivorous animals, base their diet on the capture of various types of prey that vary depending on the availability of the habitat in which they live. The size and type of prey also varies depending on the owl's abilities, so some can even catch medium-sized mammals and domestic animals given the chance. That's why it's important to care for small dogs and cats in areas where there are owls.
Thus, some of the prey that owls eat are:
- Deer mice
- Field mice
- Red-backed Mice
- Rats
- Rabbits
- Shrews
- Lemmings
- Pocket Gophers
- Squirrels
- Beetles
- Grasshopper
- Other birds
- Reptiles
- Deer
- Fawns
- Foxes
- Fishes
- Frogs
The eagle owl is one of the most widespread and popular, which is why its particular diet arouses great interest. Don't miss this other post focused on this species: "Feeding of the eagle owl".
Now that you know how to feed an owl and how to feed a baby owl if you find one, don't stop learning and check out these other articles:
- Types of owls
- Differences between an owl and an owl
