Are Owls Fierce Birds?

In some ways, owls are fierce in that they are fierce hunters that eat live prey, so they must seem very fierce to a vole or a mouse. Otherwise, owls seem to be relatively gentle creatures; they rarely have disputes with each other even though they are very territorial. They can make themselves look fierce when adopting a defensive posture. Owls make themselves look larger and more impressive or threatening that they really are by fluffing up their feathers and by spreading their wings. The also erect their head tufts and young birds extend their legs and claws.

Some owls such as the hawk own are generally fearless of humans but are no danger to them at all. Owls often perch in exposed positions at the top of a tree or a post.

There is one instance when an owl can be generally fierce though – when it is defending its chicks. This is particularly true in species that nest on the ground. They will defend their chicks against all other animals, including humans.