Hangközöket

Hangközöket, also known as Hungarian hawk-owls, are medium-sized birds of prey native to Central and Eastern Europe. They belong to the Strigidae family and are the only species in the genus Surnia. Hangközöket are known for their distinctive appearance, with a round head, large yellow eyes, and a short, broad tail. The upperparts are a mottled brown and grey, while the underparts are a creamy white. They have a distinctive call that sounds like a loud, drawn-out "ke-ke-ke-ke."

The diet of hangközöket primarily consists of small mammals, such as voles and mice, but they will also hunt birds, reptiles, and insects. They are nocturnal hunters, using their keen hearing and sharp talons to catch prey. Hangközöket are solitary birds, except during the breeding season when they form pairs. They nest in tree cavities, often using those abandoned by other birds. The female lays 3-5 eggs, which both parents incubate for about 30 days. The chicks remain in the nest for another 40-50 days before fledging.

Hangközöket are not currently considered a threatened species, but their populations have declined in recent decades due to habitat loss and persecution. They are protected under the Bern Convention and the EU Birds Directive, which aim to conserve European bird populations. In Hungary, hangközöket are a symbol of the countryside and are often featured in folklore and traditional stories. They play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling rodent populations.