Owl pellets are compacted masses of indigestible material owls regurgitate, a byproduct of their digestive system, not droppings. Studying them offers a direct window into an owl’s diet, providing insights into local food webs and ecosystem health. They reveal the types and numbers of prey consumed, including small mammals, birds, and insects.
Owl Habitats and Preferred Roosting Sites
Owls inhabit a wide range of environments, from dense forests and woodlands to open grasslands, deserts, and suburban areas. They choose roosting sites offering shelter and concealment from predators, often dense evergreen trees. These include tall trees like pine, cedar, oak, and ash, where owls perch close to the trunk or within tree cavities.
Barn owls frequently roost and nest in human-made structures like old barns, abandoned buildings, and silos. They also use natural hollows in trees and cavities along cliffs. Other owl species prefer different roosting habits; burrowing owls, for example, live in underground tunnels dug by other mammals. Pellets typically accumulate directly beneath these favored roosts or nesting sites.
Specific Clues for Locating Pellets
Locating an active owl roost involves looking for visual indicators on the ground. One sign is “whitewash,” the watery, white droppings of owls. These appear as streaks on wooden beams, splashes on the floor, or white patches directly beneath a perch, indicating recent owl activity.
Other clues include matted grass or disturbed leaf litter under a potential roosting spot, indicating repeated perching. You might also find discarded prey remnants, such as feathers, bones, or whole small mammals. Owl pellets are usually oblong, hairy structures, often with visible bone bits. Fresh pellets are dark and wet, gradually turning lighter and drier, and may have a smooth surface with a blackish-grey crust.
Best Times to Search
The best time to find owl pellets is during daylight hours, as owls are nocturnal, making pellets and other signs easier to spot. Early morning can be productive as pellets are typically regurgitated within 6 to 10 hours after a meal, often before the owl’s next feeding period.
Late fall, winter, and early spring are best for searching. During these months, deciduous trees shed their leaves, improving visibility beneath roosting branches. Owls also establish nesting sites and territories earlier than many other raptors, making winter a good time to locate active areas.
Safe and Responsible Collection Practices
When you locate owl pellets, handle them with care. Wear disposable gloves when collecting, as they can be a source of bacterial contamination, including Salmonella. A scoop or small trowel can help, or a plastic bag for pickup.
Once collected, store pellets in paper bags or unsealed cardboard boxes for thorough drying; moist pellets in sealed containers can congeal. Always maintain a respectful distance from owls and their roosting or nesting sites to avoid disturbance, as disturbing owls is often illegal. After handling, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, especially if gloves were not used.