From Doc’s Veterinary Wildlife
Owls come in all sizes! We could not resist the opportunity to compare the size of the northern saw- whet owl, weighing 104 grams, to the Eurasian eagle- owl, weighing 2900 grams. And yes- both birds are fully grown!
These are not even the largest and smallest, though they are close to both extremes. The Elf Owl is smallest, followed by some types of Pygmy Owls, and the Blakistons Fish Owl is usually a smidge larger than the typical Eagle Owl.
Saw Whets have such lovely expressive faces! They have an extensive array of facial markings so unlike a lot of other owls, it can be easy to pick out distinct individuals.
Saw Whet was last year’s Owl of the Year winner (this year’s games going on right now!) for being so cute and tiny, but also a wide range of expressions from severe rage to “I just saw a ghost!”
I grew up in the black forest and as little me roamed the woodlands with my friends, the big fellow flew over us. I think my soul left my body for a minute.
It’s certainly a whole lot of bird! 😄