A pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum) – the smallest owl in Ukraine lives in a forest zone, according to the Chernobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve.
“The weight of the bird barely reaches 80 grams. This is a boreal (northern) species. We know 18 places of residence of the mountain ash owl in the Chernobyl Reserve. Their number here can reach at least 40 pairs,” the message says.
It is known that the owl is sedentary, but young birds migrate south. Unlike many species of owls, it hunts from morning until dusk. It feeds on small animals – mouse-like rodents and small birds.
“If the pygmy owl manifests itself in the day by voice or visually, flocks of birds that scream loudly begin to chase him. Therefore, this tiny owl hunts from ambush, hiding from prying eyes before time. Nests in woodpecker hollows. Under such nests can be found the remains of prey, which the female throws away when cleaning the nest,” the staff of the reserve said.
It is also noted that before wintering, birds begin to harvest food in separate hollows – small birds and mammals (mice, voles, shrews). And their calm and self-confident nature allows photographers to get closer to the bird and take great pictures.
Подписывайтесь на telegram-канал journalist.today
