cyberdora wrote:
Hoot owls predominantly hop on the ground and only come on the ground when it's a) pitch dark and b) catch prey. they are extremely skittish and vulnerable when on the ground especially around humans.
Really? Not so much "hop" as actually "walk" (and run).
Sounds like you're thinking of sparrows.
Aside from the video of an owl walking posted by Retrograde, a simple Google search on "Do owls walk" reveals (their AI summary)
Quote:
Yes, owls can and do walk. While they are known for their flying abilities, many owls spend time on the ground and will walk or even run to move around, especially when hunting or navigating their environment. Burrowing owls, for instance, are often seen walking or running on the ground as they hunt and live in burrows.
Here's why they walk:
Hunting:
Owls, particularly burrowing owls, may walk or run to chase prey on the ground.
Ground Movement:
Owls may walk to move from one perch to another, especially if they are in a wooded area and need to navigate through branches or undergrowth.
Burrowing Owls:
This species is known for its ground-dwelling lifestyle, spending much of its time on the ground and in burrows, requiring them to walk and run frequently.
Injured or Concussed Owls:
Owls with injuries that prevent them from flying will often walk to get around.
Training:
Owls, like other birds of prey, can be trained to walk on a glove or perch for educational purposes.
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Giraffe: a ruminant with a view.