The northern hawk-owl is found in the tundra and boreal forests of Eurasia and North America. It is a species of owl (Stringiformes) that rarely visits Lithuania, appearing in late autumn and remaining until spring, when some northern populations migrate here to spend the winter. At this time, this owl can sometimes be seen near forests, in open fields, or even on the outskirts of settlements, where it keenly searches for prey and often unafraid of people.
It is a medium-sized bird, measuring 35–45 cm in length, with a wingspan of 70–80 cm. In flight, it resembles a goshawk, as it has a long tail and relatively short wings. The northern hawk-owl prefers to perch atop tall trees or poles, carefully observing its surroundings. These owls primarly hunt small mammals, such as mice and voles, and occasionally small birds.
Unlike most owls, the northen hawk-owl is also active during the day, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon. Such behavior is typical of owls from northern latitudes, where summer days are extremely long and, in some regions, the sun does not set at all. as a result of this adaptation, the northern hawk-owl often hunts during daylight hours.
The exhibit was created by Narvydas Stankevičius.
