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Mammalian
Prey
Avian
Prey
Dissecting an Owl Pellet
How Owls Find Prey
An owl can catch an animal in total
darkness just by hearing its footsteps.
The feathery depressions around its eyes
direct sound into its ears, as a satellite
dish directs signals into a receiver.
Where Are
Owl Pellets Found?
Owl pellets can be found near barn
owl nests, which are often in places such
as old barns, silos, and hollow trees.
Skull and
Jaw
Identifying Owl Pellet Contents
Jaw Length 25–30mm 17–30mm 15–20mm 10–15mm 7–14mm
Pubis
Femur
Tibia &
Fibula
Scapula
Ulna
Humerus
Ribs
Vertebrae
Owls and Owl Pellets
R E F E R E N C E
Formation of an Owl Pellet
2. The prey is broken down in the glandular stomach; the
nutrients pass through the muscular stomach and are
absorbed into the body through the intestine.
3. The hair of the prey presses around the bones, forming a
pellet. Waste is excreted through the vent; the pellet is
expelled through the owl's mouth.
Esophagus
Glandular
Stomach
Muscular
Stomach
Cloaca
Intestine
1. Owls swallow their prey head first.
Development of Young
Owlets require six to 10 weeks to develop,
depending on the size of the nest
and availability of food. The young hatch
at two-day intervals; some develop
more rapidly than others.
Sample Food Web:
Who Eats Who?
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