Owls are widely recognized as nocturnal hunters, typically associated with the night. This often leads to surprise when one is observed active during daylight hours. While most owl species are more active after sunset, seeing an owl during the day is not necessarily a cause for concern and can be a fascinating encounter. This highlights the diverse behaviors and adaptations within the owl family.
Why Owls Are Active During the Day
While most owl species are primarily nocturnal, several factors can lead to their daytime activity. Some owls are naturally adapted to hunt during daylight (diurnal) or twilight (crepuscular) hours. This adaptation often correlates with their primary prey’s activity patterns; if their food source is more active during the day, the owl may adjust its hunting schedule, making them more visible.
Food scarcity is another significant reason an owl might hunt during the day. When prey is difficult to find, or competition with other nocturnal predators is high, owls may expand their hunting efforts into daylight hours to secure enough food. This is particularly common during winter months when typical prey might be less active at night due to cold or stormy weather, forcing owls to seek sustenance during the day.
Parental duties also compel owls to hunt more frequently, regardless of the time of day. Raising owlets requires a substantial amount of food, and adult owls may need to forage continuously to meet the high energy demands of their young. Additionally, disturbances to their roosting sites, such as human activity, predators, or habitat changes, can force an owl to relocate during the day, making it visible. Even healthy owls engage in daytime activities like preening and sunbathing, which are essential for maintaining feather health and regulating body temperature.
Common Diurnal and Crepuscular Owl Species
Not all owls adhere strictly to a nocturnal schedule; some species are well-known for their daytime or twilight activity. The Northern Hawk Owl is a prime example of a largely diurnal species, often hunting in open forests and resembling a hawk in its flight and perching habits. These owls are found in northern latitudes and have evolved to hunt during the long daylight hours of summer in their Arctic breeding grounds.
Burrowing Owls are unique, active both day and night. They primarily inhabit open grasslands and deserts, nesting in underground burrows often dug by other animals. These owls are frequently seen standing sentinel near their burrow entrances or scurrying on the ground to catch insects and small mammals.
Short-eared Owls are another species commonly observed during the day, particularly at dawn and dusk. These owls favor open country such as marshes, grasslands, and fields, flying low with buoyant wingbeats as they search for voles and small birds. Their ability to hunt during the day makes them more conspicuous than many other owl species.
What to Do When You Spot a Diurnal Owl
Encountering an owl during the day offers a unique opportunity for observation, and responsible behavior ensures the bird’s well-being. Maintain a significant distance from the owl to avoid disturbing it; if the owl changes its behavior, such as looking directly at you or appearing agitated, you are likely too close. Approaching too closely can cause stress, forcing the bird to expend energy or leave a safe roosting site.
Never attempt to feed an owl, as this can lead to unhealthy dietary habits or dependency on humans, compromising their natural hunting instincts. Keep pets, especially dogs, leashed and away from the owl’s vicinity to prevent harassment or injury. Recognizing signs of distress is important: an owl showing excessive preening, panting, restlessness, or aggressive posturing like spreading wings or raised ear tufts may be experiencing stress.
If an owl appears visibly injured, entangled, or unable to fly, it may require immediate assistance. In such cases, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center or animal control immediately. It is best to avoid direct intervention, as untrained handling can cause further harm to the bird or pose a risk to yourself. Trained professionals are equipped to assess the situation safely and provide appropriate care for the owl.