How do spotted owls hunt for food?

Spotted owls (Strix occidentalis) are nocturnal hunters that primarily target small mammals, such as rodents, voles, rabbits, and bats, as well as birds, insects, and amphibians.12

To capture their prey, spotted owls utilize a perch-and-swoop hunting strategy. They wait on perches in trees and, upon spotting their target, swoop down to seize the prey with their talons while the victim is resting on branches or clinging to the sides of trees. This method is supported by the general physical adaptations of owls, which include exceptionally strong legs and sharp, curved talons, as well as specialized plumage that allows for silent flight, enabling them to approach prey without being detected.123