Ornithologists of Belarus named the bird-symbol of 2015
In 2015, close attention from ecologists, ornithologists, and the public will be focused on the Long-eared Owl. The public organization "Akhova ptushak Belarusi" has once again chosen the bird of the year – and it is the Long-eared Owl.
— This is one of the common bird species found nesting here and leading a sedentary lifestyle, — explains Sergey Dorofeyev, Associate Professor at the Department of Zoology of Vitebsk State University named after P.M. Masherov. — It can be found in settlements and even in city parks. The bird is quite interesting and useful in terms of its diet. Its main food consists of voles – it eats at least three mice a day.
Sergey Anatolyevich recounted an incident that happened in our city a few years ago. Traffic police officers informed ornithologists that an owl had settled on a spruce tree growing right next to their building. It turned out to be a Long-eared Owl.
This bird has its own distinguishing features from similar relatives – large bright orange eyes and tufts of feathers on its head, the so-called "ears". Its presence can be determined by its prolonged "hoo-hoo" during courtship. The Long-eared Owl somewhat resembles a Eagle Owl, but is smaller and occupies the nests of corvids.
At least five pairs of long-eared owls inhabit the regional center.
Elena BASHUN, "Vitebskiye Vesti"