Pöllöihin

Pöllöihin refers to owls in Finnish. Owls are birds of prey belonging to the order Strigiformes. There are over 200 species of owls found worldwide, inhabiting diverse environments from forests and grasslands to deserts and urban areas. They are characterized by their large, forward-facing eyes, which provide excellent binocular vision, and their ability to rotate their heads up to 270 degrees. Their facial discs act like satellite dishes, channeling sound to their ears, which are often asymmetrically placed to help them pinpoint the location of prey.

Owls are primarily nocturnal hunters, though some species are active during the day or at twilight. Their diet consists mainly of small mammals, insects, and other birds, which they capture with their sharp talons. Their feathers are adapted for silent flight, allowing them to approach prey undetected. Common owl species in Finland include the Eurasian eagle-owl, the boreal owl, and the short-eared owl. These birds play an important role in their ecosystems by controlling rodent populations. In folklore and mythology across many cultures, owls are often associated with wisdom, mystery, or death, though these interpretations vary widely.