1. Incubation: Before hatching, owlets are cared for during the incubation period. The female owl sits on the eggs to provide warmth and protect them from external threats.
2. Brooding: Once the owlets hatch, the mother owl continues to brood them for several weeks or even months. This involves sitting close to the owlets, providing warmth, and protecting them from the elements and potential predators.
3. Feeding: Both parents are responsible for feeding the owlets. They hunt and bring back prey, which they tear into smaller pieces and feed to the owlets directly. As the owlets grow older, they learn to tear the food apart themselves.
4. Protection: Owl parents are highly protective of their young. They will fiercely defend their nests and owlets from any perceived threats, including other predators, humans, and even larger owls.
5. Teaching to Fly: As owlets mature, the parents begin to teach them how to fly. They encourage them to flap their wings and take short flights from the nest. Parents may also demonstrate flying techniques and provide guidance.
6. Hunting Lessons: Once the owlets are capable of flying, the parents start teaching them how to hunt. They will bring live prey to the nest and allow the owlets to practice capturing and killing the prey.
7. Sibling Rivalry: In some owl species, there may be some degree of sibling rivalry within the nest. The eldest owlet often has an advantage in terms of size and strength, and may receive more food and attention from the parents. This can sometimes lead to the death of younger owlets if food is scarce.
8. Gradual Independence: As owlets grow and become more self-sufficient, the parents gradually reduce their level of care. Eventually, the owlets will leave the nest and begin their independent lives.
Throughout the owlets' development, both parents play important roles in providing food, protection, and essential life skills. The care and nurturing provided by owl parents are crucial for the owlets' survival and successful transition into adulthood.