Protect visiting Eurasian tree owls during migration: EPA
- EPA stresses that Kuwait’s Environmental Protection Law prohibits the hunting, capture or harming of birds and other wildlife.
- Members of the public who find an injured bird have been advised to report it through the EPA hotline 157 or via the authority’s official social media platforms.
The Environment Public Authority (EPA) has called on the public to avoid disturbing or capturing the Eurasian tree owl, a migratory bird that passes through Kuwait during its seasonal journeys.
The authority said it has successfully documented and monitored the species, which stops in Kuwait as a resting point before continuing its migration. It urged residents to allow the birds to move freely and avoid any actions that could harm them.
Speaking to Al-Rai, the EPA explained that the Eurasian tree owl visits Kuwait twice a year, during September and October, and again in March and April. The bird often flies at low altitudes and over short distances, making it possible to spot it in parks, residential areas and near homes.
The authority stressed that Kuwait’s Environmental Protection Law prohibits the hunting, capture or harming of birds and other wildlife. Members of the public who find an injured bird have been advised to report it through the EPA hotline 157 or via the authority’s official social media platforms.
Master of Camouflage
The Eurasian tree owl is known for its remarkable ability to blend into its surroundings. Its grey-brown feathers, marked with fine patterns resembling tree bark, provide effective camouflage against predators.
When threatened, the owl uses a unique defence technique known as “branch deception.” It stretches its body upright and slowly sways, resembling a dry tree branch, allowing it to remain unnoticed.
A Nocturnal Hunter
Unlike larger owl species that typically prey on rodents, the Eurasian tree owl is active mainly after sunset and feeds largely on insects such as grasshoppers, cockroaches and beetles, along with occasional small lizards.
During daylight hours, it remains still and hidden in gardens, farms or wooded areas.
A Migratory Rest Stop
The Eurasian tree owl breeds during the summer in parts of southern Europe and Asia before travelling long distances towards warmer regions in Africa.
Kuwait serves as an important stopover on this demanding migration route, providing the birds with a temporary place to rest before continuing their journey.
The EPA reiterated that protecting migratory birds is part of Kuwait’s wider efforts to preserve biodiversity and maintain the country’s natural environment.
