We’ve got a pair of very contrasting owls in this match.
The stoic Little Owl lives in temperate Eurasian and northern Africa. This modestly small owl is thought to be the pet of Athena/Minerva, serving as an advisor, guide, and companion. This owl is one that actually enjoys some human presence. They prefer the openness of farmland, fields, and orchards for the open spaces in which they hunt. They will swoop down on some prey, but also do a lot of hunting on foot.
The Milky Eagle Owl on the other hand, is Africa’s largest owl. This owl has a very unique look, having a sad and pouty face with prominent pink eyelids. The Milky is large and powerful enough to eat almost anything it chooses, and being an apex predator keeps it safe from most other animals. Do not let its size fool you though-while it normally swoops prey, it is still quick and agile enough to catch insects in midair.
Will the mythological owl spirit away with a win, or will the massive hunter from the African savannah claim a mighty victory?
Vote for your favorite below by upvoting your choice. Winner is the owl with the most upvotes after 24(ish) hours. Feel free to vote for both, but no downvotes, as they will be thrown out. A neutral third party will break any ties. Cast your vote now, and feel free to cheer on your choice in the comments, but no bashing the other owl or your fellow community members. They are all superb!
#superbowl #owloftheyear2024
Little Owl
This one gets my vote. He’s so little and cute 🥰
They are my iconic little brown owl. They are not my favorite owl, as there are a bit too many that look very similar to this one, but I like these little fellas have somewhat evolved to be close to us in nature. We make each others’ lives a little better by sharing an ecosystem, which I do feel sets these guys apart in a personal way.
Milky Eagle
The Little Owl is rightfully praised in song and story already. Let’s hear it for Eyeshadow Eagle!
I love seeing both today’s races in dead heat. I’m hoping we have no ties though, I already asked my tiebreaker her picks, and she likes the opposite ones I do! 😅
I’ll be updating the original pinned bracket thread with the up to date standings, so check there to follow along who won/lost.
I’ll post commentary on the results in the new daily polls on their respective sides of the bracket.
Barking Owl didn’t seem to stand a chance yesterday. I thought it would be a much closer race as both owls have a decent bit in common visually. Was also expecting the Aussy to have an advantage do to theoretically having a bigger home audience, but it looks like Lemmy really loves NZ. A number of Discworld fans likely threw in with the Morepork. I do think it’s an adorable owl, and I love its names and the calls that inspired them. Whoever it faces next I think is going to be a well matched competitor for the Ruru, as both Little and Milky seem decently popular. Milky is very a different type of owl all around, and Little Owl evens out the possible NZ advantage as the Little Owl has been a resident of New Zealand for about 100 years now, having been brought over to the country intentionally.
Tomorrow’s match between Blakiston’s Fish Owl and Eurasian Eagle I’m thinking is going to be heated. Both are big, badass owls that have well-earned popularity here.
