the pygmy owl hoards
The collector
In the winter, the pygmy owl collects food in cavaties, old woodpeckers' nests or even in starlings' nest boxes. It usually hoards dozens of voles, mice and tits in one hiding place, but sometimes up to 200 food objects can be found.
Bloodthirsty?
Does the owl kill in excess? Is it an unrestrained bloodthirst? No, not really. Food during winter is scarce and the pygmy owl only tries to protect itself against future hunger. It is an effective adaption to a meagre environment. Hoarding is common among animals. Other examples in this exhibition are wolverine, nuthatch, jay and willow tit.
