The Ural owl (Strix uralensis) inhabits dense woodlands across Europe and Asia. It is recognized for its strikingly large, rounded face with dark eyes and a distinct white border. This nocturnal predator is known for its silent flight, hunting small mammals and birds, and plays a crucial role in controlling rodent populations.

The Ural Owl (Strix uralensis) is native to the boreal forests of Europe and Asia. Its geographical distribution includes regions in Scandinavia, Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkan Peninsula, and across Russia and Siberia to the Far East. The species is also found in parts of Northeast China and the Korean Peninsula.

Ural Owls typically inhabit dense, mature mixed woodlands, often dominated by coniferous trees like spruce and pine, and deciduous trees such as birch and aspen. They prefer areas with a combination of forests and open spaces, which provide hunting grounds and nesting sites. The climate in these regions is generally temperate to subarctic, with cold winters and mild to warm summers.

The Ural Owl is a nocturnal predator with a diet primarily consisting of small mammals, such as voles, mice, and shrews. Occasionally, they may prey on birds, insects, and amphibians. Their ecological niche involves controlling small mammal populations, thus playing a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance within their habitat. Ural Owls are also known for utilizing natural tree cavities or abandoned nests of other large birds for breeding.