Owls are mysterious nocturnal birds of prey that are more commonly seen soaring through the night sky or perched high up in trees. So if you come across an owl hunkered down on the ground, it likely signals something is wrong.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Healthy owls do not typically spend time on the ground during the day. An owl on the ground likely indicates illness, injury, displacement from the nest, or other issues that have left the bird unable to fly or perch in a tree.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore all the reasons an owl might end up grounded and vulnerable. We’ll also provide tips on what to do if you encounter a grounded owl.

Normal Owl Behavior

Owls Roost High Up

Owls prefer to roost in the highest places they can find, typically choosing large trees, tall poles, or the tops of buildings or cliffs (Owl Pages). Staying high up provides owls with good vantage points for spotting potential prey and predators alike.

According to a study by the Wildlife Society Bulletin, the median roosting height for various owl species ranges from around 13-46 feet off the ground.

Some types of owls, like barn owls and barred owls, roost in cavities like old woodpecker holes or man-made nest boxes. But even then, they seem to prefer roosting spots as high in trees or on poles as they can get.

For example, a study from Ecological Applications found that barn owls chose nest boxes placed 33 feet up over boxes only 16 feet high. Owls really like the bird’s eye view!

Owls Hunt From Perches or in Flight

Rather than prowling around on the ground, owls tend to hunt by waiting on high perches and swooping down onto prey or quartering over habitat in flight. Perch hunting allows owls like great horned owls and barred owls to sit silently and use their incredible hearing to listen for movements indicating scurrying squirrels or mice.

Once prey is pinpointed, they plunge down with their large talons to snatch it up.

Smaller, more agile owls like screech owls, elf owls, and pygmy owls often go on aerial hunting forays, swiftly chasing insects, frogs, and other small prey in midair. A study tracking the hunting behavior of seven types of owls found they caught 85% of prey on the wing rather than from perches.

So next time you spot an owl flying about, it may well be actively hunting on the go!

Reasons an Owl Would Be on the Ground

Injury or Illness

Owls, like all wildlife, can become injured or ill which may result in them being grounded. Common injuries include collisions with vehicles, windows, fences or powerlines. Illnesses may also weaken an owl and prevent it from flying properly.

If you find an owl on the ground and it appears to be injured or unwell, do not approach it and contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance.

Displacement From the Nest

Owl chicks may end up on the ground if they fall or are knocked out of their nest prematurely. This most often occurs with tree nesting species like great horned owls and barred owls. The owlets may flutter down to the ground before they are able to fly well.

If possible, it is best to try to re-nest displaced owlets. Otherwise, a wildlife rehabilitator can care for the chick until it is old enough to survive on its own.

Fledglings Learning to Fly

Young owls are called fledglings once they leave the nest and start attempting flight. Fledgling owls often end up on the ground while they practice flying skills and build up strength in their wings. It is normal to see fledglings on the ground for a day or two as they learn to fly properly.

The parents will continue to care for them during this time. You should not interfere with a fledgling unless it is clearly injured or in immediate danger.

Ground-Nesting Species

Some owl species actually nest on the ground, like burrowing owls and short-eared owls. Ground-nesting owls may be seen walking around on the ground near their nest sites. Unless the owls seem stressed or in harm’s way, they should be left undisturbed.

Attracted by Prey or Bait

Owls may end up grounded if they have sighted potential prey or bait on the ground. For example, an owl may dive down to grab a mouse or investigate a pile of bait that a hunter has left out. Generally the owl will fly off again shortly after landing.

There’s no need to intervene unless the owl seems unable to take flight again safely.

What to Do if You Find a Grounded Owl

Assess the Situation

If you come across an owl on the ground, the first step is to assess the situation before intervening. Carefully observe the owl from a distance. Does it appear to be injured or in distress? Healthy owls are sometimes found on the ground while hunting.

If the owl is alert and uninjured, it may be best to give it space to fly off on its own.

Signs that the owl needs help include closed eyes, inability to fly or stand, bleeding, shivering, emaciation, discharge from the beak or eyes, and drooping wings. Young owlets may be on the ground if they fell from their nest before learning to fly.

Fledglings are normal to find hopping on the ground while they build flight strength.

Contact Wildlife Rehabilitators

If the owl clearly needs assistance, contact a wildlife rehabilitator or animal rescue in your area. Licensed rehabilitators have the expertise to capture, transport, and care for injured raptors. Give details about the owl’s condition and exact location when speaking to rescues.

Ideally, remain onsite until the rehabilitator arrives to minimize stress on the owl. If you must leave, note identifying landmarks to help the rehabilitator find the location. Covering the owl with a towel or box reduces wind exposure and chances of it wandering into danger.

Do not try to handle or feed the owl.

Keep Your Distance

It is crucial to keep your distance from grounded owls and refrain from touching them. While owls do not generally attack unprovoked, they will bite and claw in self-defense if feeling threatened. Even a small owl can inflict serious injury with its sharp talons.

Maintain a radius of at least 30-50 feet around the owl. Do not crowd or surround it. Move slowly and talk calmly to avoid startling it if you must get closer to assess its status. Don’t force the owl to fly. An owl too weak to take off on its own likely needs professional care before release.

By cautiously observing the situation before intervening, contacting wildlife experts for assistance, and keeping your distance from the owl, you can help grounded owls recover while staying safe.

Conclusion

Finding an owl on the ground always warrants extra attention. While ground-nesting species do spend time on the ground naturally, a grounded owl during the day likely signals underlying issues. Illness, injury, displacement from the nest, baiting, and other factors may leave an owl unable to return to its normal roosting spots high up in the trees.

If you encounter a grounded owl, keep your distance and contact wildlife rehabilitators right away. With quick action, the magnificent bird can often be nursed back to health and returned to the wild skies where it belongs.

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