What do owls do when they are angry? - Birdful (2024)

Owls are fascinating creatures that capture the imagination of many. They are mysterious birds of prey that are mostly active at night. When owls get angry, their behaviors can be quite intriguing. In this article, we will explore the following questions:

• Why do owls get angry?
• How can you tell when an owl is angry?
• What behaviors do angry owls display?
• Are angry owls dangerous to humans?
• How should you respond to an angry owl?

Understanding owl anger and the reasons behind it can help us appreciate the complexity of these captivating birds. Let’s take a deeper look at what happens when owls see red.

Why Do Owls Get Angry?

Like most animals, owls get angry for a variety of reasons. Some of the main triggers that make owls mad include:

• Feeling threatened – When owls sense a threat near their nest or territory, it can make them aggressive. They are very protective of their habitat and young.
• Disruption during breeding season – Owls can be more easily agitated when they are nesting and raising hatchlings.
• Hunger – Hungry owls may be more likely to attack if they feel a need to hunt prey.
• Stress – Loud noises, human encroachment, changes to their environment and other stressors can provoke an owl.
• Injuries – An injured or unwell owl that is in pain may be quicker to anger.
• Surprise – Startling an owl suddenly can trigger an angry reaction.
• Defense of food – Owls are extremely territorial over their kills and will defend them vigorously.

In the wild, owls face many threats ranging from habitat loss to predators that endanger their survival. This can put owls on high alert. Angry behaviors are often an owl’s way of establishing dominance and protecting itself in its environment. Understanding the root causes of owl anger provides insight into their behaviors.

How Can You Tell When an Owl is Angry?

Owls rely on body language and vocalizations to communicate anger and aggression. Here are some of the signs that indicate an owl is feeling threatened or agitated:

Body Language Cues

• Ruffled feathers – When owls fluff up their feathers, it is a warning to back off.
• Spread wings – Extending their wings outward makes owls look bigger and more threatening to foes.
• Raised claws – Angry owls often raise their sharp talons in readiness to attack.
• Lunging – Owls may make sudden lunging movements toward perceived threats.
• Bobbing – Frequent head bobbing up and down can signal high arousal and defensiveness.
• Staring – Intense staring is a warning that the owl feels provoked.

Vocalizations

• Hissing
• Clacking bills
• Shrieking
• Alarm calls

Owls use these behaviors to communicate boundaries and claim territory. Understanding their body language allows humans to avoid provoking an attack. If you observe these signals, it is wise to give the owl ample space.

What Behaviors Do Angry Owls Display?

When owls get angry, they have a variety of defensive and aggressive behaviors at their disposal. Some of their hostile actions include:

Defensive Behaviors

• Puffing up their feathers to appear larger
• Spreading wings and facing the threat
• Stomping feet
• Bobbing and weaving
• Retreating to a safe distance
• Camouflaging in the trees
• Bracing talons against a tree branch

Aggressive Behaviors

• Lunging or diving at the threat
• Pecking with their sharp beak
• Clacking bills forcefully as a warning
• Screeching loudly
• Swiping with large talons
• Mobbing predators with loud alarm calls
• Grasping and raking with talons
• Displaying weapons (talons and beak)

Owls decide which defensive or aggressive strategies to employ based on the level of threat. Mild disturbances may only elicit puffed feathers, while a major threat to their chicks may provoke an attack. Understanding angry owl behavior provides clues that the bird feels antagonized or endangered. Heeding these warning signs is wise.

Are Angry Owls Dangerous to Humans?

Angry owls can certainly be dangerous if provoked. However, owls are not generally aggressive toward humans without cause. Here are a few key considerations regarding the risks posed by angry owls:

• Owls will defend nests and fledglings ferociously. Getting too close can elicit an attack.
• Larger owl species with powerful talons like the Great Horned Owl can do serious damage.
• Owls feel most vulnerable during breeding season when raising young.
• Starving owls may try to attack people if extremely hungry.
• Diurnal owls like the Burrowing Owl are less likely to be aggressive.
• Injured owls are more prone to feeling threatened by humans.
• Barred and Barn owls rarely attack unprovoked.

Here are some tips for staying safe around nesting owls:

• Observe nests at a distance with binoculars or spotting scopes.
• Give extra space and avoid direct eye contact.
• Never provoke or crowd a nesting owl.
• Warn others not to approach or disturb nesting sites.
• Post signs around active owl nests to avoid conflict.

With proper precautions, the risk of owl attacks is quite low. Their aggressive behaviors are simply defensive instincts critical to their survival. Caution around nests can prevent almost all dangerous encounters with these fascinating raptors.

How Should You Respond to an Angry Owl?

If you notice an owl displaying aggressive body language or vocalizations, here are some tips for responding:

• Avoid direct eye contact, which can seem like a challenge to raptors. Look away or down.
• Don’t make sudden movements or loud noises which can escalate the situation.
• Calmly walk away from the owl without running or panicking.
• If attacked, cover your head and neck and try to find cover.
• Report owl nests near human activity so steps can be taken to avoid conflict.
• Leave nesting sites undisturbed, especially during breeding season.
• Follow guidelines from wildlife officials about buffer zones around owl nests.

Here are some things you should NOT do if encountering an angry owl:

• Attempt to scare or threaten the owl, which will only make it more defensive.
• Throw objects at the owl to deter it, which can injure the owl.
• Provoke the owl intentionally, which puts both you and the owl at risk.
• Attempt to touch, capture or harm the owl, which is illegal and extremely dangerous.

With calm, non-threatening actions, owl attacks can easily be avoided in most situations. Respecting the bird’s space and not exacerbating defensive behaviors is key. By understanding angry owl body language and responding appropriately, conflicts can be prevented.

Angry Owl Behaviors by Species

While all owls can show aggression when provoked, certain species have a greater tendency toward defensive attacks. Here is an overview of angry behaviors in some of the most common owl species:

Great Horned Owl

Great horned owls are one of the most aggressive owl species. They have large talons capable of causing serious injury. When agitated they may:

• Spread wings wide and sway side-to-side
• Emit a deep, booming “hoo-hoo-hoo” call
• Crouch and stare before attacking
• Strike with sharp talons from their 6-foot wingspan

Eastern Screech Owl

Though small, eastern screech owls fiercely defend their nests. When angry they may:

• Strut back and forth flaring wings
• Puff up feathers to appear bigger
• Lunge and swipe with talons
• Snap bills and hiss loudly

Snowy Owl

Snowy owls don’t typically attack people but they can deliver nasty bites. Aggressive snowy owls may:

• Stand tall and spread wings
• Furrow eyes and point beak at threat
• Lunge and pound with feet
• Vocalize a startling “krufff-krufff” sound

Barred Owl

Barred owls are not aggressive by nature but will defend resources. Angry behaviors include:

• Sitting erect and upright
• Craning their neck towards intruders
• Emitting a raspy, guttural hissing
• Beak biting when highly provoked

Burrowing Owl

Though small, burrowing owls will dive-bomb when defending their burrow. Aggressive actions include:

• Flaring wings low to the ground
• Bobbing and weaving motions
• Loud rasping sounds meant to startle
• Dive-bombing while snapping beaks

Understanding angry behaviors specific to certain owl species can help predict their aggression levels and avoid conflicts. Always steer clear from nests and fledglings during breeding season when owls are extra defensive. With proper caution, dangerous encounters are preventable.

Owl Attack Risk Factors

While owls don’t normally attack unprovoked, there are certain risk factors that increase the chances of an owl turning aggressive. Being aware of these can help prevent hazardous encounters:

Being cognizant of these aggression triggers can help people avoid hazardous owl encounters. Caution is especially warranted around nests and during breeding seasons when owl protectiveness is highest.

Owl Attack First Aid

In the rare event someone is injured by an owl attack, proper first aid is important. Here are some steps for treating owl-inflicted wounds:

• Wash wounds immediately with soap and water to prevent infection.
• Control bleeding by applying pressure with sterile bandages.
• Watch for signs of infection like redness, swelling, oozing.
• Apply antibiotic ointment to reduce risk of bacterial infection.
• Cover cuts and lacerations with sterile gauze or bandages.
• Seek medical treatment for deep cuts or excessive bleeding.
• Get stitches on facial cuts to prevent scarring.
• Take over-the-counter pain medicine for swelling and pain.
• Monitor for signs of concussion if head was struck.

Owl talons and beaks contain high levels of bacteria so swift treatment is important. Seek emergency care for severe owl bites. With proper first aid, owl attack injuries can heal well.

Preventing Owl Attacks

The vast majority of owl attacks can be prevented through awareness and caution. Here are some key tips:

• Never provoke or disturb a nesting owl.
• Avoid owls that appear stressed or defensive.
• Keep pets away from owl nests.
• Don’t make sudden loud noises near roosting owls.
• Stay alert when outdoors at dawn and dusk.
• Don’t let small children wander near owl nests.
• Respect warning signs like hissing and feather ruffling.
• Never attempt to handle wild owls.

Following these common sense precautions can help maintain safe distances from owls. Attacks are rare and mostly avoidable with proper care.

Conclusion

Understanding angry owl behavior provides critical insight into these mysterious raptors. Owls use defensive and aggressive displays to protect resources vital to their survival. By recognizing warning signs and responding appropriately, risky conflicts can be averted. With vigilant observation from a distance, the public can safely enjoy witnessing the wonder of owls in the wild. When given proper space, even angry owls present little threat if their boundaries are respected. Learning more about the behaviors of agitated owls can help ensure safe coexistence with these captivating creatures.