One Owl Is Singing

[lovezebs]

Hi Owls and Owletts.

Didn't have to pull them out after all.

Today I caught my boy singing and getting all sweet and preeny with the other one (which I think is a girl) who was being all stand offish, and snuggling up to my Shaft Tail boy, who was being preened by a tiny Strawberry girl Oh so funny .

I also noticed, that the singing one is the one who always sits taller when they sit together (not sure if that's an indicator of gender generally speaking, but...)

[debbie276]

This might help:
http://www.geocities.ws/gardeness1/OwlSexing.html

I think you'd be better off separating them and see who sings because if the other one is a male he may not sing because of dominance.

[lovezebs]

debbie276

Thanks Debbie, I have read this article before.

I still think that visually it's almost impossible to tell, unless you have a bunch of them to compare to, and have vast experience with the species. Even the writer of the article, admits that some males look like females and vice versa.

Even if these are two males, it's not the end of the world, (although it would be nice to have a true pair) . I just love their sweet little faces and cute mannerisms.

Just a quick question, will two males attempt to build a nest together, as I have seen definite interest in carrying bits of hay and such around (?) and trying to poke them into corners, etc.

After yesterday's fiasco of catching some birds in the flight and the stress of escapees and so on, I really don't want to traumatize everyone again anytime soon by attempting to catch one of these guys. I guess I'll just take a wait and see attitude and watch them closely.

If by some chance they are male and female, will owls nest in a community flight?

[debbie276]

I have my owls outside with the gouldians, diamond dove, and gold breast and they build nests all the time in the branches, whether they are nesting or not. i found the easiest way to tell male from female is the whiteness of the breast but like you said it easier with a few to compare.

[lovezebs]

debbie276

Well, if they manage to construct a nest, and someone lays eggs in there, then I'll know..... (unless they turn out to be another species' eggs )

Aaarrrrghhh!