Northern hawk-owl, Canada Dec 14, 2024

Meet the northern hawk-owl—featured in today"s image—a striking bird that is as fierce as it sounds! This medium-sized owl is found in the boreal forests of North America and Europe. Active only during the day, it has exceptional hearing and can plunge into the snow to capture rodents. With its long, tapered tail and a small head resembling a hawk, the northern hawk-owl is a striking sight. Known for its high-pitched, sharp call, the owl"s vocalisations are simple yet distinctive. It often emits a series of whistling hoots, making it stand out among its owl relatives.

© pchoui/Getty Images

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