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Hawk owls have been breeding in Estonia only very occasionally (we have reported the cases). Passing migrants and winterers are also encountered rather rarely. By and by they arrive here in late autumn and, depending on the weather, up to twenty thousand individuals may stay for the winter here, most probably in Pärnu or Lääne counties, but also on the northern coast.

 

Compared to the rather well known pygmy owl the hawk owl is about half the size, roughly the size of a jackdaw. Body length around 40 centimetres, wing span about 80 centimetres. The weight of hawk owls may vary widely between individuals: a little over 200 grams up to four hundred grams.

 

The sex of hawk owls cannot be determined in nature. It is the only one of our owls on whose belly we clearly see cross bands. The plumage in flight is similar to that of a sparrowhawk. A hawk owl can be confused with a sparrowhawk because the daytime hunting habit also fits the habits of sparrowhawks. It usually hunts in open landscapes, large fields or forest clearings where it looks for voles. Hawk owls like high observation posts, and a hovering flight is a characteristic trait.

 

In the plumage of hawk owls  black, dark brown, and white colours are visible; compared to other owls their head is proportionally small. The whitish face is framed by black bands and raised brows and the look in the yellow eyes seems piercing; it is emphasized by the yellow raptor beak. The legs are feathered, talons blackish brown.

 

Hawk owl