Night Birds Of Prey: The Ladies Of The Night
The nocturnal birds of prey have given rise to countless myths and legends, some good and some not so good. In any case, they are distributed on every continent except Antarctica. Of the total of known species, thirteen live in Europe. Among these, eight species live on the Iberian Peninsula.
Nocturnal birds of prey in the Iberian Peninsula: larger birds
Eagle Owl
Known by its scientific name Bubo bubo, it is the largest nocturnal bird of prey in Europe. Therefore, it can measure up to 180 centimeters and weigh up to 2500 grams. In addition, this animal stands out for its colorful and majestic appearance.
It has large orange eyes, brown plumage that covers the legs, in addition to a black beak and nails.
Barn Owl
Known by the scientific name Tyto alba, it is a medium-sized nocturnal bird. It measures 94 centimeters in size and weighs up to 360 grams. Its plumage is golden, with gray and white spots on the back, with the entire ventral part white.
Its most prominent feature is the face, with a white heart-shaped facial disc.
Nocturnal birds of prey in the Iberian Peninsula: smaller birds of prey
Owl
Known by its scientific name Asio otus, it looks like a small version of the eagle owl. It has a wingspan of 100 centimeters and weight of 350 grams.
Its body is reddish brown, dotted with darker tones. The facial disc is also reddish, with orange eyes surrounded by white feathers.
owl
Known by its scientific name Athene noctua, it is a chubby bird the size of a crow. Its wingspan reaches 100 centimeters and weighs about 700 grams.
Brown, reddish or greyish, it has a mottled black and white body. Its wings are rounded and short. His facial disc is greyish, in which his black eyes stand out.
nocturnal birds of prey: aluco
Known by the scientific name Strix aluco, it measures about 60 centimeters and weighs a maximum of 200 grams. It is a small, chubby owl, with a very nice appearance.
It has a white plumage with brown streaks or dark brown mottled with white. In addition, the eyes are large, with yellow irises, framed by white “eyebrows” that give the appearance of a grimace.
Nocturnal birds of prey: owls
Known by the scientific name Otus scops, it is the smallest nocturnal bird in the Iberian Peninsula. Its wingspan does not exceed 54 centimeters and weighs a maximum of 145 grams.
Its dorsal plumage is golden and it has “ears” that delimit the facial disc, where the yellow-orange eyes are located. On the ventral side, the plumage tends to be light gray.
nabal owl
Known by the scientific name Asio flammeus, it measures about 100 centimeters and weighs up to 300 grams. Its plumage is similar to that of the small owl, with yellow spots on the ends of the wings and an ocher facial disc. The eyes are sharp and yellowish in color, surrounded by black tips.
The Tengmalm Owl, one of nature’s most unknown nocturnal birds of prey
Its scientific name is Aegolius funereus. It measures about 58 centimeters and does not reach more than 200 grams in weight . It has a wide range of colors, from reddish to greyish.
At the top, it is chocolate-colored, with vivid white flecks. The eyes are yellow, as is the beak.
