How many mice does an owl eat per night? - briefly
A typical owl captures between one and four mice per night, while larger species may consume up to six when prey are abundant. The exact number depends on the owl’s size, species, and local prey availability.
How many mice does an owl eat per night? - in detail
Owls vary widely in nightly mouse intake depending on species, size, and hunting conditions. A small barn owl (Tyto alba) typically captures 1‑3 rodents per night, while a larger great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) can secure 3‑6. In regions with abundant prey, individuals may exceed these averages, reaching up to 8 or more captures during peak seasons.
Energy requirements drive consumption rates. An average barn owl needs roughly 70 kcal per night; a mouse provides about 30 kcal, explaining the 2‑3 mouse minimum. Great horned owls require 150‑200 kcal, translating to 5‑7 mice to meet metabolic demands.
Success rates also influence numbers. Field studies report a 50‑60 % capture success for barn owls during optimal weather, dropping to 30‑40 % in rain or strong winds. Great horned owls maintain a 60‑70 % success rate in open habitats but fall below 40 % in dense forest.
Seasonal fluctuations affect availability. In winter, when small mammals are scarce, owls may supplement diet with birds, insects, or carrion, reducing mouse counts to 1‑2 per night. Summer abundance can raise nightly intake to the upper range for each species.
Summary of typical nightly mouse consumption:
- Small owls (e.g., barn owl): 1‑3 mice
- Medium owls (e.g., tawny owl): 2‑4 mice
- Large owls (e.g., great horned owl): 3‑6 mice
- Peak conditions: up to 8 mice for large individuals
These figures represent averages; individual variation is common based on habitat quality, weather, and individual hunting proficiency.