A rare bearded owl was spotted near Chernobyl
In the Chernobyl Radiation-Ecological Biosphere Reserve, scientists have spotted a bearded owl—a rare bird of prey that is seldom seen in Ukraine. Photos of this unusual sighting were released by reserve staff.
The bearded owl is known for its exceptional hunting skills: it can pinpoint the location of its prey by sound and break through snow cover up to 40–50 centimeters thick to reach it.
“At first glance, it seems calm and even a bit slow. But as soon as you listen closely, it becomes clear: we are looking at one of the most perfect nocturnal hunters,” the statement reads.
According to experts, the bearded owl did not get its name from an actual beard. The dark spot under its beak merely creates that illusion; in reality, its main “superpower” is its incredible hearing. Even if a small rodent is moving beneath a thick layer of snow or dense grass, the owl can pinpoint its location by sound alone.
“After that, it dives down rapidly and can even break through a snow cover up to 40–50 centimeters thick to reach its prey,” say officials at the nature reserve.
Despite its considerable size, the bearded owl weighs only about one kilogram. Most of its bulk comes from thick, fluffy feathers, which not only protect it from the cold but also make its flight nearly silent. That is why this owl approaches its prey almost imperceptibly.
Researchers emphasize that the bearded owl is rarely seen in Ukraine. Its primary habitats are found in the old coniferous and mixed forests of Polissya, where it finds everything it needs to survive, including tranquility, large trees, and ample food.
Bearded Owl: What Is Known About It
In Ukraine, it is a rare breeding species found in the northern regions. It is listed in the Red Book and is protected under the Bern Convention and the CITES Convention.
It is a large owl: its body weight is about 1.3 kg, its length is 64–70 cm, and its wingspan reaches 140 cm. The bird has the widest facial disk of any bird of prey—gray in color with distinct concentric circles and white stripes around its yellow beak. Its eyes are also yellow.
Adults have a grayish-brown upperparts with numerous dark brown and whitish spots. Juveniles are distinguished by brown upperparts with whitish transverse streaks. This species is clearly distinguished from the closely related long-tailed owl by its yellow iris, a dark spot under the beak, and the pattern of concentric circles on the facial disk.
Experts from the institution have released a corresponding photo.
Chernobyl is being prepared for a renewed Russian offensive — Der Spiegel.
As a reminder, on Friday, August 7, a World Health Organization humanitarian warehouse in Dnipro was destroyed as a result of an attack. There were no people on the premises at the time of the strike, and no casualties were reported.
Over the past 24 hours, the occupiers lost 1,130 soldiers and more than 400 pieces of military equipment.
In the Kherson region, one person was killed and two were wounded as a result of Russian shelling.
