Boreal owl

The Boreal owl, also known as the Tengmalm’s owl, is the second smallest owl in Finland after the Eurasian pygmy owl. Its most distinctive characteristics are its large head and the pearl-like white spots on its back. Young Boreal owls are dark brown. In autumn, female and young owls can migrate after food, while male owls typically remain in their native region.

The Boreal owl mates in late winter, and its mating call is a soft staccato sound. In the past, the sound was mistakenly thought to originate from hares, which is why “pupu” is still the common name for rabbits and hares in Finnish. Although the Boreal owl is the most common owl in Finland, it is rarely seen, because it moves mainly at night.