Rare owl species recorded in eastern Finland for only third time

A boreal owl, a rare migratory bird typically found in southern Europe and western Asia, was recorded calling in Polvijärvi, North Karelia, marking only the third confirmed observation of the species in Finland, public broadcaster Yle reports.

The bird was identified by planner Jari Kontiokorpi, who was conducting a corncrake survey in the area late Wednesday night. He heard the owl’s call after midnight in complete darkness and recorded it, immediately suspecting it to be a boreal owl.

“I had heard this species before in Turkey in the 1990s,” Kontiokorpi told Yle. “It was a happy surprise to hear it here in Polvijärvi, in a cultural landscape.”

The landscape itself suggested to Kontiokorpi that the bird might be a boreal owl, as he had learned that their breeding grounds—such as in Hungary—are often very dry. The owl may have been searching for better feeding areas, though he noted that Polvijärvi may not offer ideal conditions, as the species primarily feeds on crickets.

Since the initial recording, dozens of birdwatchers have visited the site, but no one has visually confirmed the owl, which is active at night. Local authorities have imposed a playback ban to prevent luring the bird with recorded calls.

Previously known in Finland as the dwarf eagle-owl, the species was recorded twice before, both times in Hämeenlinna—in 2011 and 2018. The small owl, even tinier than the pearl owl, has a wingspan of roughly 50 centimetres and migrates between its breeding grounds in southern Europe and western Asia to wintering areas south of the Sahara.

BirdLife Finland first announced the sighting in a statement.