Expert: Roger Lederer - 1/12/2009

Question
QUESTION: My boyfriend and I were in the car when we noticed a bird sitting in our
neighbors yard. It was grey and white and maybe some brown ( I didn't have
my glasses on ). We assumed it was not full grown because of the downy
feathers that were all over it. My boyfriend first said maybe it was a baby owl
or baby hawk. He carefully got out of the car fearing the Mom was close by.
The bird took a couple hops and we could tell it had yellowish or orangeish
claws and we could tell that one of its claws was hurt. I would guess it stood
about 10 inches and the claws were pretty big. Any idea what this bird was?

ANSWER: I would appreciate more information, like where you live. That would help, but the coloration description is too vague. What kind of beak did it have? What kind of pattern of coloration did it have? Was the whole body the same color? Andy additional information would be helpful.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I'm sorry, I should have told you I live in Western Pa. As far as color pattern, I would say it was grey and white multi color all over. He said the beak turned down. Maybe this will help you...I hope.

Answer
Well, the beak turned down - I presume that means a hooked beak? I can't be absolutely sure, but this time of year very few birds have young. But occasionally Barn Owls have young in the winter, so that is a distinct possibility. The coloration and the fact that it was in someone's back yard fit as well. So Barn Owl is my educated guess - like 85% sure.