8-Stamp Collector's Set - Owl

Tawny Owls and Little Owls. The tawny owl and the little owl are two nocturnal birds with very different habits. The tawny owl, often nicknamed the “howling cat” because of its distinctive call, can have gray or reddish plumage, regardless of its sex or age. As a nocturnal bird, it is most easily spotted in forested areas, about 40 minutes before dawn and 20 minutes after sunset. Pairs are sedentary and generally remain together for life. Chicks remain in the nest for 28 days and are then continued to be fed outside the nest for another 2 to 3 weeks. As a result, it is common to spot juveniles, even in broad daylight. The second species, which is smaller and also known as the Athena’s owl, is most easily spotted before dawn and at the end of twilight, when its activity peaks. Sedentary and highly territorial, it too forms pairs that generally remain together for life. This species is now threatened by the gradual disappearance of hedgerows and orchards, where it finds refuge and breeds. Michel Chardin, wildlife photographer

Conception graphique La nouvelle d'ap. photos © Michel Chardin