Owl

The owl, a fascinating nocturnal bird of prey, is an important part of many ecosystems and plays a central role in regulating small mammal populations. This fact sheet provides a detailed overview of the owl's biology and lifestyle and highlights the importance of its protection and conservation in a variety of habitats.

The owl measures 70 to 100 cm in wingspan and weighs 200 to 500 g. As a carnivore, the owl eats small mammals such as mice, rats, rabbits, birds, insects, and other invertebrates. Its life expectancy is up to 15 years.

Owl for Garden, Nature Trail & Education

Profile: Owl

  • Scientific classification

    • Class: Birds (Aves)
    • Order: Owls (Strigiformes)
    • Family: Typical owls (Strigidae)
    • Genus: Strix
    • Species: Various species such as the Tawny Owl (Strix aluco), the Spotted Owl (Strix innotata)

  • Physical characteristics

    • Size: Body length of 30-40 cm, depending on the species
    • Wingspan: 70-100 cm
    • Weight: 200-500 g
    • Special features: Round facial disc, brown to gray plumage with dark spots and streaks, light underparts, large eyes, and a strong beak.

  • Habitat and distribution

    • Common Regions: Europe, Asia, North Africa, North America (depending on the species)
    • Habitat: Forests, parks, gardens and mountainous regions; prefers mountainous areas and dense, old-growth forests as breeding grounds.

  • Nutrition

    • Diet: Carnivorous
    • Typical Food: Small mammals like mice, rats, rabbits, birds, insects, and other invertebrates.

  • Reproduction and lifestyle

    • Mating season: Spring to summer
    • Nesting behavior: Builds nests in tree hollows, old crow's nests, or in buildings
    • Eggs: 2-5 eggs per clutch
    • Parental care: Both parents participate in brooding and feeding the chicks
    • Lifestyle: Mostly nocturnal, solitary or in pairs, pronounced hunting skills at night.

  • Lifespan and protection status

    • Lifespan: Up to 15 years in the wild
    • Conservation Status: Generally not endangered, but some species are threatened by habitat loss and pollution.
    • Conservation Measures: Preservation and protection of habitats, rewilding of forests, creation of protected areas.

  • How Big Is the Owl Really?

    • Tawny Owl: 45 × 26 cm
    • Little Owl: 18 × 23 cm

    Dimensions of the life-size cutouts (width × height), printed to a scale of 1:1.

    To the exhibitors 

From fact sheet to the real thing – discover our products on the subject of Owl.

Discover now