The common perception of the owl as a purely nocturnal hunter is largely accurate, as the majority of the world’s approximately 200 species are most active between dusk and dawn. This nighttime activity pattern, known as nocturnality, is a successful evolutionary strategy that allows them to thrive in darkness. However, this is not a universal rule for all members of the order Strigiformes. Significant numbers of owls regularly hunt during the twilight hours or even in the full light of day. Environmental conditions and the need to feed can also cause a strictly nocturnal owl to be seen when the sun is up.
Why Most Owls Prefer Darkness
The anatomy of most owl species is optimized for hunting in low-light conditions, giving them a distinct advantage over other predators after sunset. Their large, forward-facing eyes are packed with light-sensitive rod cells, which excel at gathering the faintest available light. This adaptation allows them to see with precision in near darkness, though it comes at the expense of color vision and eye mobility.
To compensate for their fixed gaze, owls possess an extraordinary degree of neck rotation, allowing them to turn their heads up to 270 degrees. Their hearing is a specialized hunting tool, with some species having asymmetrical ear openings placed at different heights on the head. This slight offset allows the owl to precisely triangulate the source of a sound, such as a scurrying rodent, even if it is completely hidden from view.
The final element of their nocturnal hunting success is their silent flight, achieved through specialized serrations on the leading edge of their wing feathers. This unique feather structure breaks up the airflow, muffling the sound of their wing beats. This quiet approach and their reliance on darkness also serve an ecological purpose by minimizing competition from diurnal raptors, such as hawks and eagles, which dominate the daytime skies.
The Major Daytime Hunter Exceptions
Certain owl species have evolved to be naturally active during the day (diurnal) or during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk (crepuscular). This shift in activity is a direct result of their habitat and the behavior of their preferred prey.
The Snowy Owl hunts across the open tundra of the Arctic where daylight can last for nearly 24 hours during the summer. These large, white owls primarily target lemmings, which are often more active when the sun is out, necessitating a daytime hunting schedule.
The Northern Hawk-Owl is another species that hunts in broad daylight, often perching prominently like a hawk to scan for small rodents and birds. Its diurnal nature is reflected in its physical appearance, which is more slender and less round-headed than its nocturnal relatives.
The Short-eared Owl is a widely distributed, crepuscular species often seen hunting low over open fields and grasslands, especially in the late afternoon. Similarly, the Burrowing Owl, a small, long-legged species that lives in underground tunnels, is primarily diurnal. It hunts insects and small vertebrates in open country.
Situational Reasons for Daytime Sightings
Even for strictly nocturnal species, a daytime sighting does not necessarily indicate a problem, as several situational factors can override their typical sleep schedule.
Food Scarcity
The most frequent reason for a nocturnal owl to be seen hunting during the day is severe food scarcity, particularly during the winter months. When heavy snow or ice makes nighttime prey difficult to find, the demands of survival force the owl to hunt whenever and wherever it can find a meal.
Mobbing
A visible owl may also be the victim of “mobbing,” a phenomenon where smaller birds like crows or jays spot the resting predator and harass it relentlessly. The commotion forces the owl to relocate from its roosting spot, often in full view of people.
Feeding Young
Owls with young owlets to feed may have to extend their hunting hours well into the day. This extension is necessary to meet the high energy requirements of their family.