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The hawk owl nests only very rarely in Estonia but passing migrants have already been observed in November and some may stay for the winter.

 

The hawk owl is only half as big as the much better known Ural owl, or roughly the size of a jackdaw. In common with the Ural owl it has a long tail, rather like that of a sparrowhawk. The plumage on the underparts is barred and hawk-like too, and the day-time hunting habits and flight image fit well with for instance a sparrowhawk. It also likes elevated observation points. The hovering or “stationary“ flight is characteristic on prey hunts. It is active in daytime as well as at dusk, mainly hunting voles.