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The Cooper Owl is a unique representative of the owl family, its size is so small that if it were not for its characteristic eyes and fluffy plumage, then it could have completely passed for a representative of a different family. Its maximum weight does not exceed 200 grams. This bird can easily fit in the palm of your hand, taking a few more steps there.
Kinds
There are only four known species of this bird, the main one is called the owl, Olexus Orchid. And the remaining varieties were named by ornithologists on a territorial basis and combined into a single group. The first of the blue-nosed owl of this group was named the North American one, given its habitat. The next bird from this group, living in Mexico, was named after the country of its habitat. And, finally, the last of this group of Foot-Owned Owls received, for well-known reasons, the name South American.
Appearance
The bird, which has a fairly compact size, has a rounded shape of its outlines. The main difference that makes it possible to distinguish a small owl from other members of this family is the fact that the legs of this bird are completely covered with lush plumage. And in order to see them, you need to push the plumage, located on the belly of the owl.
The owl of an owl is easy to imagine in the form of a head on legs — due to the fact that its body is inferior in its size to a gigantic head. But the span of his wings is very impressive, it is 50 centimeters, which is quite impressive for its small dimensions. The tail of this owl has a short size, but it is rather wide in shape, the eyes of a bird, in the manner of all owls, have a bright yellow color.
The plumage of a small hunter is variegated in nature; on the brown-chestnut background there are splashes of white, alternating with gray ones of similar size. The color of the back of the Owlfish combines with the color of its wings, as well as the shoulders; it is formed in a darker shade than the color that paints the chest and the rather large face of the bird. The lower part of the bird's body is colored in the prevailing light tones, it is spotted with small strips and patches of brown. When the chicks of an unusual bird get their first cover of plumage, its color looks more uniform and consists of dark tones.
The South American representative of this species has a particularly unusual color, which attracts additional interest to the bird. The chest area and the oval forming the face of the bird are painted in a pale reddish tint, bearing a plain color. On the back, as on the wings of a bird, there is a plumage that has a grayish-brown color; in this part of the body, the color of the bird's plumage is diluted with multiple small dots of white.
On the head of the South American dandy the headdress in the form of a black cap is coquettishly placed.The expressive eyes of this bird have a characteristic eyeliner, consisting of many small black specks, the direction of which is formed upwards, approaching massive eyebrows. Such a cosmetic device gives the eyes of a small bird a theatrical expression, likened to surprise. The species of the blue-nosed owl living on the South American continent is considered to be one of the rarest species of owl - these birds were made under special protection by representatives of local authorities.
The representative of the Red-legged Owl living in North America is characterized by even smaller sizes. The main shade of color of this feathered hunter is represented by brown color, its back is dotted with many small specks, and the breast has white plumage. The sounds from which the voice of this bird is formed resemble the melody of a flute. But at the moment of danger she is capable of making frightening sounds, consisting of loud jerky cries, alternating with a long whistle.
Favorite habitat
The Little Owl, having a common name, lives in the Northern Hemisphere,its large populations inhabit the taiga regions of Siberia, in the central and southern parts of the Russian Federation, in the valleys of the Caucasus, on the territory of the Altai Territory and Transbaikalia. He can also be found in the Far East. In addition, the bird gained distribution in Europe and in Canada.
Owls of this species prefer to settle in forests, located on the plains or in the mountains. They are more attracted to coniferous forests or mixed in nature than deciduous groves. This night bird shows special care, it is almost impossible to find it in the forest.
Rough-legged owl prefers the night hunting method, appearing in the forest only with the onset of complete darkness. He builds his nests in the hollows of trees, he likes the hollows built by the black woodpecker more, although this bird can easily settle in shelters created by artificial means.
Night Hunter's Diet
The main prey of this owl are various small rodents. In the winter, when snow falls, he has to eat small birds from the order of passerines. In addition, in the winter he is saved by supplies, which a hover hunter hides in a hollow.
The Little Owl hears perfectly well and is distinguished by excellent eyesight; he carefully seeks out his victim, sitting on a branch, not high above the ground. Having spotted its goal, the bird makes a rapid throw, catching its prey with sharp claws.
Video: Rough-legged Owl (Aegolius funereus)
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