Ural Owl Strix uralensis

The Ural Owl lives from Scandinavia and Eastern Europe through Central Asia and Siberia to Korea and the Japanese/Russian islands of the Pacific. There are several regional subspecies.

Like most owls, the bird underneath is much smaller than indicated by the deep plumage - more so in the case of the Ural Owl which needs ample insulation in its northern range. These large owls have light plumage for camouflage in snowy habitats.

A captive Ural Owl fostering orphaned Tawny Owlets. In the wild, Ural Owls pair for life and both parents help to raise the chicks.