Owls are highly territorial birds that establish nesting and hunting grounds that they typically occupy for life. However, there are some circumstances in which owls may relocate to new areas. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that lead owls to relocate and discuss whether owls can be encouraged or forced to move to new territories.
Do owls migrate?
Most owl species do not actually migrate long distances in the way that many songbirds do. However, some owls may migrate short distances of a few hundred miles to adjust to seasonal changes in food availability and weather conditions. For example, Snowy Owls that nest in the far northern regions of North America will sometimes migrate southwards in the winter months when food becomes scarce. Other owls like the Flammulated Owl migrate from breeding territories in western North America to wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America. But migration should not be confused with relocation – it is a seasonal movement that sees owls return to the same nesting sites and territories each year.
When do owls relocate?
There are a few key instances when owls may permanently relocate to new areas:
- Dispersal of juvenile owls – When owl chicks fledge and leave the nest, they will disperse and establish new territories away from their parents’ range. This prevents inbreeding and overcrowding of the local area.
- Loss of mate – If one owl in a mated pair dies, the remaining owl may move away and find a new mate elsewhere.
- Disturbance of nesting or hunting sites – If the areas regularly used by owls are disrupted by human activity like logging, construction, or recreation, the owls may abandon the area and relocate to undisturbed habitat.
- Prey availability – Owls may leave areas where food sources like rodent populations decline. Likewise, they may settle in new areas where rodent numbers are plentiful.
- Competition from other owls – Young owls may be forced to move from their natal territory by competition with older, more dominant owls.
- Habitat alteration – Events like fires, flooding, or land clearing can make formerly suitable owl habitat unlivable, forcing the birds to resettle.
How far do owls relocate?
Relocation distances for owls vary widely depending on the species, availability of suitable habitat, and reason for moving. Some key factors influencing relocation distance include:
- Younger owls typically move farther than adult owls when dispersing from natal territories. Juveniles may traverse hundreds of miles.
- Larger owl species with greater home range sizes like Great Horned Owls are able to move farther than smaller species.
- Fragmented, disrupted habitats force owls to move greater distances between patches of suitable environment.
- Declines in local prey populations necessitate longer relocations as owls seek out new food sources.
- Competition often forces subordinate owls to move large distances away from dominant territorial birds.
A study of dispersing juvenile Northern Spotted Owls found average natal dispersal distances of around 30 km. However, one young owl dispersed a remarkable 703 km away from its birthplace. Adult spotted owls have smaller typical dispersal distances of around 10 km when moving to new mate or nesting sites.
Do owls return to the same areas every year?
In general, owls demonstrate high fidelity to established nesting and hunting territories, returning to the same locations year after year. However, some nuance exists among different owl species and populations:
- Resident owl species remain in the same home ranges year-round, only shifting locally with seasonal prey movements.
- Migratory owl populations return to breed and nest in the same sites annually after wintering elsewhere.
- Nomadic owl species like Burrowing Owls may occupy a home range for a breeding season before relocating more unpredictably.
- Disrupted habitats or prey fluctuations may prevent owls from returning to previous ranges.
- Younger owls settling new territories after dispersing from natal areas do not return to the same sites as their parents.
Studies of Boreal Owls in Scandinavia and Snowy Owls in the Canadian Arctic have found that these species frequently reuse the same nest sites and hunting perches over many years, even decades. Such fidelity points to how suitable owl habitat should not be altered by human activities.
Can you attract owls to relocate?
It is difficult to force owls to settle in a new location, but certain habitat management strategies can make an area more attractive to prospecting owls looking for territories:
- Leave dead tree snags standing – Owls nest and roost in cavities.
- Preserve mature open woodland with multi-layered canopy – Provides cover and hunting perches.
- Allow coarse woody debris to accumulate on forest floor – Creates small mammal habitat.
- Construct nest boxes suited to local owl species.
- Provide food sources like small rodent populations.
- Limit disturbances like light and noise pollution.
Areas near waterways, wetlands, and forest edges typically hold the most prey and attract the most owls. Keep in mind it may take years before owls discover and occupy suitable but unfilled habitat.
Can you force owls to relocate?
There are some practices that can effectively force owls to abandon established territories:
- Tree removal and forest clearing destroys nesting, roosting, and hunting habitat.
- Disturbing or destroying nests during breeding season causes owl pairs to seek new sites.
- Harassment like loud noises near nests or roosts pressures owls to move elsewhere.
- Constructing roads and infrastructure fragments habitat connectivity and makes areas inhospitable.
However, ecologists advise strongly against forcibly relocating owls. Removing or harassing territorial owls usually opens areas to occupation by competing owls. Forced relocation also causes severe stress and risks death or injury for owls. It also violates federal laws like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Responsible planning that avoids disturbance is best for owl conservation.
How to safely relocate problem owls
Occasionally an owl may take up residence in a hazardous or undesirable location like an airport runway or urban building site. In these cases, owl relocation should only be done by qualified experts licensed to handle birds of prey. Some important protocols include:
- Identifying problem owl species and monitoring to understand usage of problem site.
- Sealing potential roosting spots to passively dissuade owls from settling in the area.
- Using distress calls and harassment to make site unattractive without harming owls.
- Excluding owls from nests during non-breeding season when they are not tied to a site.
- Carefully capturing, transporting, and releasing owls into suitable habitat far from problem site.
- Monitoring released owls and temporarily providing food until they adjust to new home range.
Following proper protocols ensures both problem owl resolution and humane treatment of the displaced birds.
Conclusion
In summary, most owls only relocate from established home ranges when forced to do so by factors like habitat loss, lack of prey, or competition with other birds. Juvenile owls dispersing to find their own territories are the most likely to relocate long distances. While it is difficult to attract owls to specific areas, preserving suitable habitat can draw prospecting individuals over time. Forcing owls to move should be avoided, but necessary relocations of problem owls should only be done through ethical capture and re-release methods. With a careful, owl-friendly approach, relocated owls can successfully adjust to new territories.