What animals make up most of an owl’s diet?

Owls are strictly carnivorous birds that feed exclusively on other animals. While the specific diet of an owl is largely determined by its size and the local availability of prey, rodents are the most common prey for the majority of owl species.12

Smaller owl species frequently supplement or rely primarily on insects for their nutrition. Depending on the species and its habitat, owls may also consume a variety of other animals, including:1

• Fish: Specifically hunted by specialized species such as the fish owl.2
• Bats: Some species, such as the bay owl, have been observed hunting bats.2
• Other small animals: Owls are opportunistic hunters and may take advantage of any abundant prey source within their environment.2

Regardless of the prey type, owls generally swallow their food whole and later regurgitate indigestible materials like fur, feathers, and bones in the form of a compact pellet.2