General information. The Ural owl is an owl species inhabiting old spruce- and mixed type forests. The largest populations in Finland can be found in Hämeenlinna and Pirkanmaa. In Vaasa, however, it is a relatively rare nester with only a handful of observations made during the bird atlas survey years.
The Ural owl is, like other owl species, an early nester. During years with an abundance of rodents it can lay its eggs already in early March. Nesting takes place in abandoned raptor nests or large nesting boxes intended for the common goldeneye. The young leave the nest already before having the ability to fly properly. During this period their mother aggressively defends the brood from intruders coming too close, including humans. They can be especially irritated during nighttime as the young loudly beg their mother to bring them food. The Ural owl is a protected species under the European Union bird detective.