This young sparrow owl sitting on a branch in a pine tree.
The sparrow owl is a species of northern coniferous forests (taiga). In appearance and behaviour, the sparrow owl is an outlier among owls. It is active during the day and at dusk and has a very agile hunting flight, similar to the sparrowhawk or hawk. The fine transverse banding on its underside is also very similar to the feather pattern of the hawk or female sparrowhawk.
The sparrow owl is about the size of a long-eared owl. The head - especially for owls - is relatively small. The sparrow owl has no ear tufts, although the distinctively shaped, black border of the facial veil gives a bit of that impression. The owl has a long, wedge-shaped tail and short wings. Beak and eyes are pale yellow. The feathering of the toes is furry.