Birds of prey and owls
Birds of prey are diurnal birds known for their sharp talons and powerful, curved beaks, which enable them to efficiently seize and kill their prey. They have exceptionally sharp eyesight, allowing them to spot small mammals, birds and reptiles from a great distance while circling high in the sky or hunting from a fixed vantage point. In Flanders, species such as the buzzard, goshawk and various falcons are typical of open landscapes, forests and transition zones.
Owls are distinguished by their nocturnal lifestyle and are perfectly adapted to hunting in the dark thanks to their large eyes and, above all, their exceptionally developed hearing. Their wings are built in such a way that they can fly almost silently, giving them a great advantage when surprising prey such as mice and rats. They are mainly active at dusk and at night, and species such as the barn owl, long-eared owl and tawny owl are characteristic of both rural and semi-urban environments.
Both birds of prey and owls play a crucial ecological role, as they help to keep prey populations in balance and thus contribute to a healthy and resilient ecosystem. Their presence or absence is often seen as an indicator of nature quality, which makes them particularly important in nature conservation and biodiversity policy in Flanders.
For more information about the bird in question, click on the name below the photo.
