At the newly renovated Ural Owl enclosure at Tama Zoo, Snowy Owl have begun preparing for breeding. However, this preparation doesn't involve carrying nesting materials or entering nest boxes.

Snowy Owl inhabit the Arctic tundra, where tall trees do not grow, so they spend a lot of time on the ground. They build their nests by digging holes in the ground and sitting there. If you look closely at the animal enclosure, you can see holes in the ground. These are nests that Snowy Owl have diligently dug.

There are other behaviors necessary for breeding. One of them is courtship feeding. Courtship feeding is when the male presents food to the female during the breeding season. Courtship feeding strengthens the bond between the pair and also provides nutrition to the female who is about to lay eggs.

In the case of Snowy Owl at Tama Zoo, the male first lowers himself to a low position with a mouse in his beak, spreads his wings, and calls out "bo-bo-bo-bo" to attract the female. The female then becomes restless and gradually approaches the male. In response to the male's call, the female makes a sweet, pleading "kyururururu" sound.

Finally, the male, still in a low posture, hands the mouse to the female, who accepts it, completing the courtship feeding.

Although this male is very hardworking, outside of the breeding season, he actually eats any mice he catches himself. Therefore, this behavior can only be seen at this time of year.

Snowy Owl typically lay their eggs in late May. From now on, the bond between the pair will deepen, and the frequency of courtship feeding will increase. The males must continue their gift-giving efforts so that the females can lay their eggs with peace of mind.

Currently, this courtship feeding is thriving among the pairs on the raptor flying cage side, but among the pairs on Raccoon Dog mountain side, the females often refuse to accept the mice, and the males continue to call out while holding the mice in their beaks. People often cheer them on for their earnest efforts.

Please come and see the various sights that can only be seen now, such as courtship feeding, nesting which is limited to the breeding season, and males trying to attract females.

Photo above: A male calling a female with a mouse in its mouth.
In the photo: The male presents a mouse (the one with brown spots is the female).
Photo below: The female who received the mouse

[Natsumi Uno, Animal Care and Exhibition Staff, South Garden, Tama Zoological Park]

(May 6, 2011)